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Gender and Leadership Trajectories in Academic Dentistry
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Gender and Leadership Trajectories in Academic Dentistry

Nikkita Madhu, Divya Kohli and Linda Sangalli
European journal of dental education
02/12/2026
DOI: 10.1111/eje.70109
PMID: 41678742
url
https://doi.org/10.1111/eje.70109View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Objectives Despite increased number of women entering dental academia in the last decade, gender disparities persist in leadership roles. This study examined gender trends within administrative leadership across U.S. dental schools. Materials and Methods Data on gender, age, employment status, academic rank and administrative title were extracted from the ADEA Survey of Dental School Faculty. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess gender representation in leadership over time, stratified by rank and age and adjusted for employment status (aPR). Results On average, women held fewer leadership roles than men (17.5% vs. 19.8%, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for employment status. Women were underrepresented in senior administrative positions such as department chairs (PRs = 0.57–0.81), division directors (PRs = 0.40–0.72) and deans (PRs = 0.46–0.62). Younger women were more likely to hold leadership roles than those aged ≥ 60. Conclusion While overrepresented as allied program directors and other nonspecific directorships, women continue to be underrepresented in more senior leadership roles, underscoring the need for systemic reform. Women continue to hold fewer senior leadership roles than men, emphasising the need for systemic change in policies and institutional culture to facilitate gender equity in academic dentistry.
 Dentistry Leadership academic dentistry dental faculty gender disparity

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