Advancing Oral Health Workforce Equity in Gender and Sexual Orientation.

Area of Science:

• Oral Health Workforce Equity
• Health Professions Education
• Health Policy and Management

Background:

• Persistent inequities exist in the oral health workforce concerning sex, gender, and sexual orientation, despite demographic shifts in dental education.
• These disparities are underexamined in academic, research, and clinical settings, affecting representation, inclusion, and professional outcomes.
• Intersectional identities, such as race and caregiving roles, amplify existing inequities for women and LGBTQIA+ professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the influence of sex, gender, and sexual orientation on equity within the oral health workforce.
• To identify and propose evidence-based strategies for enhancing inclusivity in oral health education and policy.
• To address leadership disparities, economic inequities, and discrimination faced by diverse professionals in the field.

Main Methods:

• A narrative synthesis approach was employed, utilizing US-based data sources and peer-reviewed literature.
• Assessment included demographic trends, historical structures, and institutional barriers within the oral health sector.
• Review focused on leadership representation, economic disparities, discrimination, and best practices for inclusivity.

Main Results:

• Women are over 50% of dental school enrollees but remain underrepresented in leadership and surgical roles, experiencing wage gaps.
• LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual +) professionals face limited visibility, compounded bias, and inadequate structural protections.
• Institutional deficiencies in inclusive curricula, faculty mentorship, and data collection hinder progress toward equity.

Conclusions:

• Achieving an inclusive oral health workforce necessitates systemic reforms in academic policies, leadership development, and cultural competency training.
• Enhanced data collection on gender identity and sexual orientation, bias mitigation strategies, and robust mentorship programs are crucial for transformation.
• Aligning workforce policies with current demographic realities and family structures is essential for a representative and resilient profession.