It's time to talk about the M word

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Occupational Health
• Dental Practice Management

Background:

• Menopause significantly impacts women, representing approximately half the population, yet it is often a workplace taboo.
• In 2019, women constituted 92.6% of dental care professionals and 50.9% of dentists, indicating a substantial portion of the dental workforce is affected.
• Despite its prevalence, menopause within the dental profession lacks dedicated research regarding its effects on dental team members.

Discussion:

• The dental industry needs to acknowledge and discuss menopause to support its workforce.
• Current literature fails to address the specific challenges menopause presents to dental professionals.
• Growing awareness in other sectors suggests a broader societal shift towards recognizing menopause's workplace impact.

Key Insights:

• Menopause is a prevalent yet undiscussed issue within the dental profession.
• A significant majority of dental professionals are women who will experience menopause.
• There is a critical gap in understanding how menopause affects dental team members' well-being and performance.

Outlook:

• Future research should investigate the specific effects of menopause on dental professionals.
• Developing workplace strategies and support systems for menopausal dental staff is crucial.
• Encouraging open dialogue about menopause in dentistry can foster a more supportive professional environment.