Women’s Implantology Network (WIN)

A strong committment to female empowerment

1st workshop in Zurich, Switzerland – October 2016

In October 2016, 14 female dentists from 9 countries (mainly from Europe) met in Zurich, Switzerland for the 1st “Women’s Implantology Network” workshop (WIN). These women had different professional backgrounds but they shared in common their young spirits, openness towards new technologies and innovations, and the true appreciation of diversity. On the first day the participants shared their views on the topic in a workshop, followed by an intensive speaker training session on the second day

About WIN – Women's Implantology Network

What is the Women’s Implantology Network (WIN)?

Although the number of women dentists graduating today is higher than men, statistics show that women are under-represented in implant dentistry. This applies to all areas and at all levels ( surgeons, speakers, key opinion leaders (KOLs), practice owners and leadership positions). This imbalance needs to be addressed and it starts with building a strong community of women who are active and successful in implant dentistry. Supported by Straumann's commitment to playing an active role in assisting this, WIN was formed in October 2016. The aim of this network is to connect international women  with different involvement and responsibilities (across the dental specialties, academia/private practice, with/without family, part-timers/full-timers etc.) who are willing to share their experience and knowledge. The hope is to inspire fellow women colleagues to enter implant dentistry and expand their skills. The diversity of energetic and successful women in WIN will enable it to address the imbalance in implant dentistry of men and women in the future. Go to www.straumann.com/win

Findings/Next steps

Findings/Next steps

The feedback from the participants was extremely positive regarding both the speaker training and the workshop. Virginia Hochstetter, Global Medical Marketing Manager at Straumann states: “The workshop definitely exceeded our expectations. There was such a positive and relaxed atmosphere. People who had just got to know each other suddenly behaved as if they were best friends. There was a very open and collaborative attitude, and both professional and personal experiences were shared openly.” It seemed that this was only the beginning of something significant and that everyone was looking forward to expanding the group, involving more regions, and initiating future collaborations. A first group of female dentists for future collaboration was founded and is already exchanging views. A number of initiatives were proposed to make a difference in supporting other women in dentistry, as well as future generations of female dentists.

Why? There is a clear trend in most parts of the world, and many publications and studies from different countries are reaching the same conclusion: Since more and more women are graduating in dentistry, the proportion of female dentists will substantially increase in the upcoming years. Despite this trend, women still remain underrepresented when it comes to opinion leadership, entrepreneurship, and academic careers. One question arises in this context: how will this trend impact the field of dentistry, and what are the implications for practices, work models and implantology?

Click on the picture to enlarge – Source: Figures 2012-2013 by local dental associations, scientific publications and Straumann estimates.

The participants’ profile: Women who are working either in a private practice and/or in an academic role were invited to the meeting. The participants were interested in sharing their knowledge and experience about their personal career path and the challenges they have faced and had to overcome as women. Based on this, we discussed the possibilities how to support other women in the same situation. The group is committed  and motivated to contribute towards a better legacy for the next generation of women.

The agenda: The day started with an introduction into the theme with presentations by Prof. Frauke Müller and Michael Hotze, followed by a discussion based on the “World Café” approach, where the individual aspects and challenges faced by women in dentistry were discussed and proposals developed for initiatives to make a change and support other women. At the end of the day Marco Gadola gave an overview of strategic initiatives, including the importance of the role of females in dentistry. After the workshop, the participants were invited to enjoy a “Chocolate Seminar” with a tasting session and self-made chocolates. On the next day, a speaker training session led by trainers Sylvia Pitz and Dominik Schott was on the agenda and proved very productive, with numerous funny moments, as can be seen in the pictures.

What does it mean to be a woman in dentistry? According to the workshop participants, the main challenges experienced by women on their career path were internal (self-imposed) pressures, leading to lack of confidence, and family care obligations (children, parents, other relatives). But there were also external pressures: women face more entry barriers while being confronted with gender stereotypes. “The path will be difficult for a woman in surgery and academia” is a statement they have been hearing since the early stages of their career. Based on these insights, some proposals for concrete initiatives were made:

  • Offer individualized career path consulting services
  • Improve the options for women to assume leadership positions
  • Increase the pool of female speakers so that women are present at all levels (study clubs, local, regional and international events)
  • Establish mentorship program for young graduates with the opportunity to learn from role models/experienced mentors.
  • Re-entry courses for those returning to work after maternity (or other) leave
  • Targeted courses on business, career paths, management etc.

Findings/Next steps

The feedback from the participants was extremely positive regarding both the speaker training and the workshop. Virginia Hochstetter, Global Medical Marketing Manager at Straumann states: “The workshop definitely exceeded our expectations. There was such a positive and relaxed atmosphere. People who had just got to know each other suddenly behaved as if they were best friends. There was a very open and collaborative attitude, and both professional and personal experiences were shared openly.” It seemed that this was only the beginning of something significant and that everyone was looking forward to expanding the group, involving more regions, and initiating future collaborations. A first group of female dentists for future collaboration was founded and is already exchanging views. A number of initiatives were proposed to make a difference in supporting other women in dentistry, as well as future generations of female dentists.