Challenges faced by female oral and maxillofacial surgeons in conservative societies: a gender-based analysis

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFSs) face peculiar challenges that may hinder surgical careers and jeopardize job satisfaction. More data are necessary on these challenges, particularly among females in conservative societies and politically unstable areas. This study aimed to perform a gender-based analysis of social and professional challenges faced by OMFSs in Egypt, Jordan, Libya, and Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was distributed among OMFSs to explore career-hindering factors, factors influencing OMFS career choice by female surgeons, and surgeons’ preferences for online educational platforms. The results showed that male professionals performed more surgical procedures under general anesthesia and identified “financial revenues” as a significant career obstacle (p≤0.05). Regarding the most important factors that impact female surgeons’ choice of OMFS career, significantly more females cited “lack of mentors” (p=0.012), while significantly more males cited “marriage” and “having children” (p=0.001). Further, significantly more males stated that “males are better suited for leadership positions” (p<0.001). Female OMFSs in conservative societies encounter challenging social and professional barriers, which may adversely affect job stability and career aspirations. Adopting policies that promote a work-family balance for female surgeons and providing institutions with a sufficient number of mentors may be crucial in mitigating the obstacles and challenges they face. Further leadership opportunities should be made accessible to women, supported by establishing an inclusive and unbiased environment that engages all stakeholders, regardless of their gender.