Cain Lisa D, Andrews Elizabeth, Joy-Thomas Anita, Mathu-Muju Kavita R, ElHachem Lea, Garcia M Nathalia, De Melo Mary A S, Brady Michelle, López Ana N, Holyfield Lavern J, Nyquist Jo Ann A
Department of Professional Development and Faculty Affairs, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
J Dent Educ. 2025 Jul;89(7):1061-1069. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13789. Epub 2024 Dec 16.
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: This study addresses persistent gender disparities in leadership roles in academic dentistry. The objectives were to identify the challenges and barriers to leadership that women face in general and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to describe resources they need to reach their leadership potential.
The American Dental Education Association Section on Women in Leadership (WIL), gathered survey data concerning leadership challenges and faculty development needs. The survey targeted 300 WIL members in leadership roles or aspiring to leadership roles. It was conducted from January to March 2021 and 128 participants responded (response rate: 42.7%). The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.
The most frequent reported leadership barriers indicated by the survey respondents were lack of mentoring, limited leadership training, lack of sponsorship from administration, family obligations and limited job opportunities. The participants stated that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, affecting collaborations, increasing stress, and impacting scholarly productivity. The survey responses showed how external factors can challenge faculty productivity. Respondents identified mentoring, increased leadership opportunity awareness, and leadership development seminars as factors most helpful for their professional development.
This study identified women faculty members' perceptions of why disparities persist in gender equity in leadership in dental education. It suggests developing gender specific leadership strategies and resources. Addressing barriers requires concerted efforts at the institutional, national, and global levels. This is vital for achieving gender parity in leadership roles in dental education settings.
目的/目标：本研究探讨牙科学术领域领导岗位上持续存在的性别差异。目标是确定女性在一般情况下以及在新冠疫情期间面临的领导挑战和障碍，并描述她们发挥领导潜力所需的资源。
美国牙科教育协会女性领导力分会（WIL）收集了有关领导挑战和教师发展需求的调查数据。该调查针对300名担任领导职务或有志于担任领导职务的WIL成员。调查于2021年1月至3月进行，128名参与者做出了回应（回应率：42.7%）。对数据进行了定量和定性分析。
调查受访者指出，最常见的领导障碍包括缺乏指导、领导力培训有限、缺乏行政部门的支持、家庭责任以及工作机会有限。参与者表示，新冠疫情加剧了这些挑战，影响了合作、增加了压力并影响了学术生产力。调查回应显示了外部因素如何挑战教师的生产力。受访者认为指导、提高对领导机会的认识以及领导力发展研讨会是对其职业发展最有帮助的因素。
本研究确定了女性教员对牙科学教育中领导权性别平等差距持续存在原因的看法。它建议制定针对性别的领导策略和资源。消除障碍需要机构、国家和全球层面的共同努力。这对于在牙科学教育环境中实现领导岗位的性别平等至关重要。
