When I was in dental
school in Poland, more than half my class was female. Unlike the
United States, in Poland most dentists are women. When I first came
to America and enrolled at UCONN Dental School, the vast majority of
my classmates were men. Gladly, in the States, more women are
becoming dentists - up 44 percent since 2008. However, female
dentists comprise just over 25% of all practitioners.
Besides adding gender diversity, studies show there are distinct advantages that women dentists have over their male counterparts. Some studies suggest women make better and more responsive dentists. We are not trying to get into a debate on which gender is better here. We don't believe in that kind of thinking. But there are distinct advantages of choosing a female dentist. Here are eight reasons why.
A study by the Dental PBRN Collaborative Group of 393 male
and 73 female dentists conducted discovered:
- Prevention: Women dentists may be much better at prevention. PBRN researchers found females had a much greater preference to offering cavity prevention regimens to their patients. They would offer these recommendations much earlier than their male counterparts too. Many of these solutions were at-home fluoride and other treatments for both pediatric and adult patients. This individualized care empowered patients and saved them money in the long run.
- Conservative Approach: Other researchers found women dentists take a more conservative approach, which was good for the patient with more positive and less expensive outcomes. It appears unnecessary or aggressive care is not the norm among women. This is something Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD, with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, stands by. She believes that conservative treatment is always the rule. She listens to her patients and only recommends what is best for each individual.
- Preservation of Tooth Structure: Women dentists tried preserved more tooth structure in restorative dentistry. Researchers say they were more likely to opt for less radical solutions than a male dentist. Again, this saves patient money in the long run, and no man-made material is superior to healthy tooth structure.
- Cost Reduction: Studies show women dentists were more likely to recommend at-home fluoride treatments for pediatric patients than their male counterparts who often preferred in-office treatments. Coupled with the previous two points, these result in significant long-term cost reductions for the patient.
- Smaller Hands: Researchers also found women have smaller hands which is more comfortable for the patient. When it comes to doing extractions or major work in your mouth, a smaller hand is actually better and less invasive.
- Listening: Washingtonian.com reports that women dentists are often better at listening to their patients. That means females are more attentive. That is definitely a win-win for the dental patient.
- Gentleness: Women often are less rough during procedures, and better at gentle dentistry. If you are leery of the dentist because of a bad past experience, choosing a female dentist may be just what you need to put you at ease.
- Nurturing: Many studies say women are more nurturing. Perhaps, it is just Mother Nature here, but women can be better at putting themselves in other people's shoes with more empathic thinking. This makes for a better bedside manner in the medical profession. Having a dentist with a good bedside manner lowers the stress for an anxious dental patient.
Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a highly-respected, award-winning dentist with offices
in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain. She is a huge
advocate of patient education and empowers her patients with
knowledge on dental care that involves not only oral health and
hygiene, but also their relationship to overall health. She
discusses nutrition and other ways patients can keep their teeth
healthy for a lifetime. She is gentle and her restorative and
cosmetic dentistry techniques have won accolades by scores of
patients. Dr. Basil also never recommends anything that isn't needed.
She works with patients to make sure their dental care is affordable
and necessary.
Have questions? Be
sure to contact our office. Check out our testimonials and online
patient reviews. Our patients love us.
Dr.Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut. She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121
