Shaila Tahir, Alia Bashir, Adeela Rafique, Junaid Sarfraz Khan.
The barriers which prevent female dentists from pursuing their career in Pakistani culture.
Pak Oral Dental J Jan ;37(3):477-82.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the various reasons why female dentists drop out of the profession despite being twice in number according to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council statistics. A constructivist approach, using qualitative phenomenological design was applied and semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were the primary method of data collection. The interviews were transcribed verbatim. A qualitative content analysis was conducted, and the transcripts were coded and organized into themes and sub themes. One of the major themes identified lack of social support system which included family/husband and supervisor/ peer support system. Pressure of the society in the form of stereotyping the role of the women to be a home maker and raising the children was also quoted as another reason. Lack of adequate child care facility, and nonexistent policies by the government and employers for supporting the working women were also identified as major contributing factors. The service structure of the female dentists should be revised to make it more conducive for balancing the work family balance. Provision of flexible working hours, adequate child care, maternity leave and monetary benefits should be introduced to make it worthwhile for females to pursue their career.

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