Gender differences among professionals dedicated to Oral Implantology in Spain: An observational study

Abstract

Background: Despite the development of society and the educational progress achieved at the university education level, women continue to face obstacles that hinder their professional development. This study aims to determine whether there are gender differences in a representative sample of professionals dedicated to Oral Implantology in Spain. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study based on the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. An electronic survey consisting of two blocks of questions was sent to members of the Spanish Society of Implants. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. Results: A total of 303 participants (20.8%) responded to the questionnaire, of which 219 were men (72.3%) and 84 women (27.7%). Up to the age of 40 years, women predominate, whereas men predominate from the age of 51 years onwards, which is influenced by a greater number of years of experience in implant placement and a higher number of implants placed per year. Despite this, women have a higher level of training in Oral Implantology, as a greater proportion are trained through master’s degrees. Conclusions: The greater representation of men in the study is associated with the ageing of the sample. The results obtained from the present study anticipate the trend of a greater presence of the female gender in Oral Implantology in Spain in the coming years.