Gender Trend in Practice and Job Satisfaction Among Resident Dentists at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine differences between male and female resident dentists in their practice patterns, professional activities and level of job satisfaction.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of all the resident dental doctors in theUniversity ofBenin Teaching Hospital (response rate was 100%).

Results: The data revealed the mean number of hours worked per week was 40.6 for female and 41.58 for male dentists with the male dentists treating slightly more patients than their female colleagues (mean difference = 1.68 patients, P>0.05)). Conversely, there was no difference between male and femaledentists with regard to the number of days worked full hours per week.

Overall, both male and female dentists felt well suited and satisfied with their chosen profession (88.6% and 87.5% respectively). Over half of the female dentists (62.5%) tend to read professional journals and engage in research while only one-third of their male colleagues (34.6%) engage in such practices

Conclusion: The main finding from this study revealed that more female dentists appeared to have intrinsic satisfaction with the dental profession than their male colleagues, but there were no significant differences between men and women in their practice patterns and professional activities.