Only 11% of New Dental Practices Started by Women in the UK Last Year

UK: New research has unveiled a significant gender disparity in the establishment of dental practices in the UK, with only 11% of “dental practice activities” launched last year initiated by women. Companies House data from 2022, analysed by Instant Offices, indicates a notable increase of 26% in the registration of 1,723 dental practice activities compared to the previous year.

Underrepresentation of Women in Dental Practice Ownership

Out of the total number of dental practice activities registered in 2022, a mere 196 were launched by women, accounting for just 11% of the year’s total. This data demonstrates a decline in the number of dental practice activities initiated by women, as in 2021, 287 such businesses were launched by women out of a total of 1,365, indicating a 21% female representation.

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Female Dentists in Private Practice Lagging Behind

According to the General Dental Council’s 2019 report, women constituted 58% of the dental workforce. However, Instant Offices’ analysis reveals that only 45% of female dental associates intend to transition from the National Health Service (NHS) to private dental practice. In contrast, 66% of male associates express the intention to make the switch. As a result, there is a discrepancy in the representation of women compared to men in private dentistry.

Rising Numbers of Women in NHS Dentistry

The research findings indicate a steady increase in the number of women working in NHS dentistry. This trend may help explain the stagnant growth of female dental practice owners. Instant Offices suggests that the rise of women in NHS dentistry could be a contributing factor to the limited increase in the proportion of female-led dental practices.

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Gender Diversity and Business Outcomes

Instant Offices highlights the positive impact of gender diversity on business outcomes. Citing research, they note that 54% of small businesses, 64% of medium-sized enterprises, and 59% of large companies reported improved results after implementing initiatives to enhance gender diversity. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that women generally score higher than men in various leadership skills.

Geographical Distribution of Dental Practice Launches

The research also reveals that the majority of dental practice activities were established in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Eastbourne, and Altrincham during the previous year. These regions stood out as hubs for new dental practices in the UK.

As the dental industry continues to evolve, addressing the gender imbalance in dental practice ownership presents an opportunity for fostering diversity and promoting equal opportunities within the profession.