SA3 - Factors Influencing Female Dental Students’ Decision to Pursue Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Survey Study

Abstract: In the United States, gender parity is achieved at the dental school level, but women continue to be underrepresented in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS). OMS has the lowest female representation of all the dental specialties at 21% in 2021 and the second lowest of all the medical surgical specialties2. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence male versus female dental students in selecting OMS as their career choice. Primary outcome variable of the study was female dental students’ interest level in pursuing a residency in OMS. Secondary outcome variable was identifying gender-based perceived barriers specific to OMS. A cross-sectional study utilizing an electronic anonymous survey was sent to academic deans of 69 dental schools throughout the US to be distributed to dental students. Survey consisted of six sections: demographic information, interest in OMS, type of advice received regarding OMS, mentorship, OMS experience, and importance of various factors when deciding a career in OMS. Bivariate analyses were performed using the chi-squared test to examine associations between gender and interest level variables. Effect modifiers of associations between gender and outcome variables were analyzed using a robust quasi-Poisson model. Statistical analysis was completed using R statistical software. Statistical significance was determined by P-value < .05.Thirty-six of the 69 dental schools participated in the study (response rate 52.1%). 673 completed responses were included in the final analysis. The study sample comprised of 373 (55.42 %) females and 297 (44.13 %) males. The average age of the females and males were 25.1 years and 25.5 years, respectively. Other demographic information is described in Table 1. 78 (21%) out of 373 females and 125 (42%) out of 297 males reported interest in OMS (P < .001). Analysis of the interest in OMS questions is recorded in Table 2. Effect modifiers (race/ethnicity, relationship status, and gender of the mentor) are documented in Table 3.Based on the study results: 1. Female dental students are less interested in pursuing OMS; 2. Work hours, stress level, length of residency, educational debt, time to date/marry, free time for family, family planning in residency, parental leave during residency, the idea of being too old for children after residency was rated as very important by female dental students; 3. Prerequisites (CBSE, externships, etc.) was graded as very important by male dental students; 4. interest variable (work hours) with race/ethnicity as an effect modifier revealed statistically significant results; 5. Interest variables (work hours, stress level, and parental leave) with relationship status as an effect modifier revealed statistically significant results; 6. Gender disparities in the interest level in OMS differed by gender of the mentor. Free text responses were screened. Dental students reported CBSE as being a deterrent to pursuing OMS. Students attending dental schools where the basic science curriculum is separate from the medical school felt disadvantaged when preparing for the exam. Concerns were voiced that certain dental schools do not allow time off for externships or study time for the CBSE. We hope dental school leadership consider this an important issue and support all dental students, allowing them to put their best foot forward. Furthermore, mentorship offered by female OMS faculty can empower female dental students with the understanding of surgical lifestyle and alleviate their concerns. Parental leave policies can build a more welcoming environment for family planning during residency.1. 2021-22 Survey of Advanced Dental Education report. Commission on Dental Accreditation.https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/health-policy-institute/dental-education#:~:text=During%20the%202021%2D22%20academic,2021%2D22%20(XLSX).2. Table B3. Number of Active Residents, by Type of Medical School, GME Specialty, and Gender. Association of American Medical Colleges. https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/students-residents/data/report-residents/2022/table-b3-number-active-residents-type-medical-school-gme-specialty-and-gender.

Table 1. Demographics
Table 2. Factors affecting Interest in OMS by Gender
Table 3. Effect Modifiers (Race/Ethnicity, Relationship Status, Gender of Mentor)