Being a woman or a mum in dentistry is tough. You’ve got the constant juggle of proving yourself just to get the same respect as your male colleagues, all while balancing work and family life. And sometimes, it feels like the only option is to just get on with it because that’s what everyone expects. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way. And as a Business Development Manager, I’m all about changing that.
I’ve spent years helping practices build environments where people, especially women and mums, feel truly seen, heard, and valued. It’s not just about filling roles. It’s about supporting careers and personal lives. Sadly, many practices don’t get this right.
I can’t tell you how many women I’ve connected with who feel like they’re expected to be superhuman. They’re expected to balance patient care, manage a team, be an amazing parent, and still prove themselves every single day in a field that wasn’t designed with them in mind. Some work in practices that are still very old school, run by principals stuck in their old ways, which only adds to the challenge. But that’s not how it should be. You deserve more than just surviving the day. You deserve a place where you’re valued not just as an employee, but as a person with real skills, experience, and a unique voice to add to the team.
Here’s the reality. Women in dentistry often have to work twice as hard to be heard. For mums, it’s even tougher. Balancing home and work is a huge challenge. Too often, women just “go with the flow” because they feel they have no choice. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You should feel safe to speak up without fear of being brushed off. Are your targets realistic? Or do you accept them because you feel you have to?
What’s needed is a space to discuss challenges openly and get support, not just professionally, but personally too. When this happens, careers thrive and work-life balance improves. And yes, that shift is possible.
If juggling work and family is tough, don’t apologise for asking for flexibility. Be open about your needs, whether that’s schedule changes or admin help. You can explain that if your work-life balance isn’t right, it’s likely your performance and the practice’s income could suffer. But if you’re supported with the right adjustments, you might actually perform better. Why not suggest a trial period for the changes, something they can agree to? Having this conversation can improve your balance and your practice’s success.
When overwhelmed, carve out time for yourself. Even a few minutes between patients can recharge your energy.
If something isn’t working in your workplace culture, raise it. Ask for regular one-to-ones and chat with colleagues to understand the practice better. If nothing changes, consider whether the environment suits you.
Ask for regular feedback, both on areas to improve and on what you do well. Seeking positive feedback builds confidence and makes your work visible. Don’t be shy about sharing your successes. No one else will toot your horn for you. Remember, you are your own competition. Feedback helps you grow and stay in control.
Check if your targets are realistic. Does the practice understand your role and local area? If not, ask about average targets and earnings for dentists in similar roles, anonymously. Are your NHS and private income targets fair?
No one should just “deal with it.” Women and mums deserve more than surviving workdays. They need environments where they can share pressures, whether from full diaries, admin, home life, or feeling unsupported. When people feel heard and supported, job satisfaction and team engagement soar, and turnover drops.
If you’re a woman or mum in dentistry, stop accepting a status quo that doesn’t work for you. You deserve a workplace that understands, supports, and respects you, both as a professional and as a person with a life outside the office.
I’ve seen it again and again. When practices create a culture that values women and mums, those people stay. They’re happier, more productive, and more committed because they’re not just cogs in a machine. They’re valued, and that makes all the difference.
If you’re working somewhere you feel like you’re just “going with the flow,” it’s time to rethink. Don’t settle for getting by. Demand a workplace where your voice matters, your career grows, and your personal life is respected.
A big part of my role is helping create environments like this. A supportive, inclusive culture isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. To keep the best people, especially women and mums in dentistry, it’s the only way forward.
If you’re ready to stop compromising your career to keep up appearances, let’s talk. We can build a space where you feel valued, heard, and empowered to be your best, both in and out of practice.
Remember, your career and wellbeing matter, don’t be afraid to ask the questions, seek the support you deserve, and create a work life where you truly thrive.
