Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

A Standardized Approach to Extra-Oral and Intra-Oral Digital Photography
Published on: July 22, 2022
Gender issues in clinical dental education
Karen K Tiwana1, Mark J Kutcher, Ceib Phillips
1Department of Operative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina, 5405H Kory Oral Health Sciences Building, CB#7455, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7455;. karen_tiwana@unc.edu.
Female dental students reported more gender issues affecting clinical training, mentorship, and confidence than males. Both groups noted less respect for female faculty, highlighting a need for improved gender equity in dental education.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Gender Studies
- Dental Science
Background:
- Gender disparities persist in professional education.
- Understanding gender dynamics in clinical dental education is crucial for equitable training environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and extent of gender issues in clinical dental education.
- To compare the experiences of male and female dental students and faculty regarding gender.
Main Methods:
- A survey study was conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry.
- Surveys were distributed to dental students (n=86) and full-time clinical faculty (n=34).
Main Results:
- Female students reported significantly more gender-related impacts on clinical training, less mentorship, and lower self-confidence.
- Both female and male respondents indicated female faculty received less respect from students.
- Nearly half of students witnessed or experienced gender-based prejudice; 7% reported sexual harassment.
Conclusions:
- Gender issues significantly affect female dental students' clinical education and confidence.
- Addressing gender bias and improving faculty respect are essential for a more equitable dental learning climate.
- Further multi-institutional research is recommended to confirm and address these findings.
Related Concept Videos
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Conduct Disorder
Ethical Dilemmas I
Let us explore some examples to understand the potentially complex moral decisions nurses face.
Take the case of caring for minors, particularly in areas related to reproductive...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.

