Other
Eric Kenney, DDS
Resident
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
University of Iowa
North Liberty, Iowa, United States
Polly Iben, DDS, DDS
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Fang Qian, PhD
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Karin Weber-Gasparoni, DDS, MS, PhD
The University of Iowa
Karin Weber-Gasparoni, DDS, MS, PhD
The University of Iowa
Kecia S. Leary, DDS, MS
Clinical Professor
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Purpose: This study explored career satisfaction differences between male and female pediatric dentists.
Methods: A REDCap survey based on the 5-point Professional Satisfaction and Dentists’ Satisfaction Scales was sent electronically to 6,349 active AAPD members. Bivariate analyses of 29 demographic and practice characteristics and 38 career satisfaction questions were conducted using a contingency table, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test to detect gender differences. A general linear model evaluated associations between overall professional satisfaction and related factors including personal/professional characteristics, and work environment.
Results: 674 surveys were returned(11% response). Compared to females, male pediatric dentists were likely to be older(53.4±13.9 vs. 43.7±10.4 years; p< 0.001), Caucasian(88.1% vs, 71.2%; p< 0.001), married(91.1% vs. 85.2%; p=0.018), parents(86.2% vs. 73.4%; p< 0.001) have spouses/partners doing household tasks(50.5% vs. 12.1%; p< 0.001), practice owners/partners(63.4% vs. 50.6%; p=0.002) and treat more patients weekly(126.5±82.7\120.0 vs. 110.2±67.4\100.0; p=0.012). Females had significantly lower career satisfaction median/mean ranking scores than males(345.3\3.15±1.37 vs.316.0\2.91±1.45; p=0.024). They were less satisfied with income, professional time, care delivery, practice management, staff, respect, and well-being(p < 0.05 in each instance), while male dentists reported greater satisfaction regarding time for personal life(p < 0.001). No significant gender differences were found regarding community size, primary practice setting, AAPD region, patient relations and Covid-19 impact(all p >0.05). After adjusting for gender and age, stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated the three top predictors of overall professional satisfaction were well-being, respect, and patient relations.
Conclusions: Overall, male pediatric dentists are more satisfied with their career than female practitioners.