Gender Shifts and Effects on Behavior Guidance

Women's presence in pediatric dentistry has dramatically increased over the past several decades. Women now comprise almost 50 percent of AAPD membership and almost 75 percent of new members. Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to determine differences between male and female pediatric dentists relative to practice patterns and use of behavior guidance techniques (BGTs). Methods: A web-based survey was sent to 511 pediatric dentists who had been recruited by the AAPD to participate in a series of surveys related to pediatric dentistry. Results: Fifty-nine percent of dentists responded. Fifty-two percent of the respondents were male and 48 percent were female. Female respondents were significantly younger than male respondents. Males were more likely to own a practice and hold leadership positions in dentistry while females were more likely to work as faculty, staff dentists, or part-time in private practice. No significant differences were noted between the genders relative to the use of BGTs, though females tended to involve parents more and were more likely to report the use of protective stabilization in selected situations. Both genders reported that parenthood had an effect on their behavior guidance styles.