Is it legitimate for dental schools to give preference to male applicants? Fully 42% of dentists said yes in a recent dental survey by The Wealthy Dentist, feeling that it's permissible to favor those who will give back the most. Of course, 58% disagreed, finding gender discrimination unacceptable.

Research indicates women dentists work several hours per week less than male dentists. Women who have young children are more likely to practice part-time. Thus, it would seem that male dentists, on average, provide more hours of care over the course of their careers.

Men and women had drastically different opinions on the matter of gender profiling. While 55% of male dentists felt that favoring male applicants was acceptable, only 12% of female dentists agreed.

Many full-time dentists are unimpressed with their part-time colleagues. "The reality is we are entering a time of declining supply of dentists and increasing population. For every slot in a dental school that is occupied, we are going to need a reasonable output of care from that individual!" said a male dentist. "I am so tired of seeing female dentists who don't want to work. Stop taking a spot in dental school. You have an obligation to the profession. If you only want to work part-time, be a hygienist!" complained a female dental office worker.

The issue is even more complicated at state schools. "In light of the high taxpayer cost to train dentists and the impending shortage of dentists, if female dentists want to be home with their children and not practice at least 30 hours/week for at least four years, they should have to pay back to the state the amount it cost to train them," opined a hard-working female dentist. "With the average cost to the public of a public dental school education exceeding $100,000 per graduating doctor, a fair criteria for determining which students receive these dollars should be benefit to the public," agreed a male dentist.

How an applicant's gender is any business of the dental school escapes some dentists. "Live with it, people. Discrimination in any form is un-American," said a male orthodontist. "Women who want to be dentists should not be penalized," offered a female pediatric dentist.

Some female dentists were shocked that anyone would even consider such an idea. "This is a ridiculous survey. These are ideas from the year 1800!" said one woman. "Perhaps the dental schools should have the female applicants sign a 'no children' contract. Are we in China?" another asked rhetorically.

On the other hand, some male dentists felt favoring male applicants would be perfectly reasonable. "Be realistic! The need for care has to be satisfied no matter what the uppity feminist ladies happen to believe," wrote one. "My professional lifespan is 8 times that of the average female dentist. It may not be PC, but it is true," offered another. This man was especially blunt: "I'm a dentist. Guys are better at it. Period."

Some find gender profiling as offensive as racial profiling. "If we find that Hispanics work more hours and donate higher rates than Native Americans, should the same argument apply? I think not!" exclaimed a male dentist.

Female dentists mentioned facing prejudice during their educations and careers. "As a female dentist, I still have to deal with gender bias when it comes to associate job interviews. I am still asked to this day if I am married and do I have kids at an interview!" said one woman.

It is possible that dental schools prefer men because they donate more. "Perhaps dental schools should examine why female graduates donate less," said one female dentist. "As a dental student in the 1970s, I was harassed and discriminated against regularly. One professor announced to the class that he didn't understand what the point was of admitting women to dental school if we didn't wear skirts to class."

"Whew!" sighed Jim Du Molin, dental management consultant and founder of dental marketing resource The Wealthy Dentist. "People rarely talk about this issue, but it's a big one, particularly in dentistry. I hope talking about it openly can help ease this professional Battle of the Sexes!"

Visit http://www.thewealthydentist.com for more surveys in the areas of dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, edation dentistry, wisdom teeth, braces, and dentures. Jim Du Molin offers a free weekly newsletter and dental practice management advice.