Work-life balance still a struggle for female dentists, says Forum

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Dentists are divided between work and home, the Forum revealed. (Getty Images)

Female dentists are fighting to balance practice demands alongside family commitments, revealed discussions at a Worldwide Forum Of Women Dentists meet, held in Dubai.

Debates amony delegates showed that, despite significant professional advances, regional female dentists are still struggling to juggle both work and family responsibilities.

"All women in the profession of dentistry are essentially facing the same challenges," said Dr Hibah Shata, owner of a Dubai-based dental practice. "They are challenged by the commitment to their profession and the commitment to their families, and are striving for a balance, through appropriate time management, of adequate quality time with their families and patients.

The pressure is increasing, Shata added, as more dental practices enter the local market. Clinics are finding it difficult to retain patients, in the face of increased competition, and female dentists are struggling to stay ahead of the latest techniques on the market.

"Women are challenged by professional competition, the increased cost of business management and in getting the latest materials and equipments," Shata said.

Women polled in the Forum agreed that updated business management skills, and a commitment to continuing professional development were key to sustaining a solid patient base and a secure practice.

"Maintaining the highest quality of professional care and services is the only way to keep patients coming back and to not lose customers to other competitors," Shata said. "Also [dentists] should support the community by raising public awareness of the importance of general and dental health. Participate in different social occasions, charity events and school programmes to get noticed."

The forum also took the opportunity to discuss dental care issues for elderly patients and set out to encourage older female dentists to consider their own health and wellbeing in the dental practice. Shata advised delegates to consider budget requirements well in advance and to take a few simple steps daily to help deal with the stress and workload synonymous with the job.

"It can really help to just maintain physical health through exercising, appropriate posture and healthy living," she said.

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