Balancing dentistry and motherhood is hard. Many women in dentistry face an uphill climb just to be taken seriously, all while managing patients, running a household, and caring for children. In many practices, the expectation is to simply get on with it. But things shouldn’t stay that way.

In my role, I’ve met countless women trying to thrive in systems that weren’t designed with them in mind. Many are overworked, under-supported, and feel like they must prove themselves daily in cultures that don’t acknowledge their full reality.

This needs to change.

What women and mums in dentistry really need

It’s time for a workplace culture that values people as humans first. One where career and motherhood are not seen as competing forces. One where your voice, your skills, and your wellbeing matter.

Too often, women:

• Accept unrealistic targets without question.
• Push through without support.
• Feel they can’t speak up about challenges.
• Are expected to “be grateful” instead of being empowered.

Let’s change the script. You deserve a career that fits around your life, not the other way around.

What you can do right now

Here are some practical, confidence-building actions to help reclaim your balance, your voice, and your value at work.

Ask for flexibility without guilt

• Be honest about what you need: shift patterns, admin support, or breaks.
• Frame it in terms of benefits to the practice, a better work-life balance can boost your performance and retention.
• Suggest a trial period to test changes without long-term commitment.

Prioritise your wellbeing

• Take short breaks between patients to breathe and reset.
• Protect your mental bandwidth; it’s just as important as clinical skills.

Speak up about workplace culture

• If something doesn’t feel right, raise it professionally.
• Ask for regular one-to-one meetings with your manager.
• If nothing changes after speaking up, reflect on whether this workplace suits your values.

Request and celebrate feedback

• Ask what you’re doing well and where you can grow.
• Build your confidence with positive reinforcement.
• Share your wins, it’s not bragging, it’s visibility.
• Remember: You are your own competition.

Question your targets

• Ask how they were set and if they reflect the local average.
• Are you being measured fairly compared to others in similar roles?
• Look at both NHS and private income expectations.

If you’re already at a practice, ask:

• Can we review my income and targets compared to local data?
• How can my diary be adjusted for better balance?
• What support is available from the admin or treatment coordinators?
• What are my options for growth and development?
• What’s the culture like when it comes to flexibility and feedback?

Before you join a new practice, ask:

• How are income and targets set? Are they realistic?
• How is the diary managed, admin time, breaks, flexibility?
• Is there proper support from the admin or treatment coordinators?
• What learning and development opportunities are provided?
• How do they support women and working parents in the team?

Final words of encouragement

You are not asking for too much. You are asking for what should already be in place: respect, fairness, and space to grow. A practice that truly values women and mothers will support your career and your personal life. And those are the places where women thrive, stay longer, and feel fulfilled.

If you feel like you’ve been “just getting by” ….stop. You deserve more. Demand a workplace where:

• Your voice matters.
• Your growth is supported.
• Your family life is respected.
• You can thrive, not just survive.

You don’t have to settle. You can build a career where you feel safe, seen, and supported — and help shape the future for women in dentistry everywhere.