Glass ceilings and glass escalators in the Canadian oral health workforce

Abstract

Oral health is a key component of overall health, but many Canadians do not access dental care services. The newly expanding Canadian Dental Care Plan recognizes the crucial role of dental professionals in service delivery, however it does not address potential impacts of labour market imbalances. This study used census data and statistical decomposition analyses to assess gender imbalances in the dental workforce in relation to compensation. Results may help inform human resources planning to counter gendered inequalities as a challenge for the health and dental care sector to attract and retain talent.