Women in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: The Australasian Experience

Article from Australia

Summary:

There continues to be an underrepresentation of women in OMS despite an increase in the number of females entering medical and dental school in Australia and New Zealand. This study compared the number of female OMS surgeons and the number of females amongst surgical and dental specialties in Australia.

Key Findings:

• In 2023, 14% of OMS trainees and 11% of ANZAOMS members were female

• The total number of registered female OMS surgeons in Australia rose from 9 in 2013 to 22 in 2022

• Female surgical specialists compromised of 16% of all registered surgical specialists and female dental specialist compromised of 31% of total registered specialists

• While there has been a steady rise in the number of females in OMS in Australia; the number remains low, when compared to other surgical and dental specialties

Where to find out more:

Woo, V.M., Jensen, E.D. and Candy, K.A. (2025), Women in oral and maxillofacial surgery: the Australasian experience. ANZ Journal of Surgery. http://doi.org/10.1111/ans.19422

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About the author:

I am currently a first year OMS Registrar in Melbourne, Australia.

I have been inspired by the many OMS surgeons that I have met around Australia, who have supported me on my journey.

This paper aims to identify areas of strength and how to support more females to be a part of the OMS community.

Acknowledgements:

Co-authors Emilija Jensen and Kristen Candy