Network participation for unpromoted female dentists in relation to psychosocial support

Studies have shown that female unpromoted general practice (GP) dentists have a taxing work situation with many problems related to their psychosocial work environment. This study aims to describe 1) the participation for this group in organized network activity (support groups) in a region in Sweden, 2) the sense of support with comparison to another organization and to a nationwide sample of GP dentists, and 3) the covariation of network participation with support. All unpromoted female dentists within the Public Dental Health Service (PDHS) in a region in Sweden received a questionnaire, and 94% re-sponded. Those participating in network activity ≥ 4 times a year constituted 12% of the respondents. The co-operation between colleagues was lower than in the nationwide sample. The experienced support from the organization PDHS was weak. It was not possible to explain why the female unpromoted GP dentists participated ≥ 4 times a year, but the female dentists who felt lonely in their work were to a higher degree participants in a network. Almost nine out of ten reported being strengthened by the network both as a person and in the professional role. The female dentist was three times more likely to participate in a network if she had a male head of the clinic. In conclusion, the main results are the paucity of intercolleague contact and the lack of association between support and network participation. The many affirmative comments indicated though, that network participation might be a good coping strategy for unpromoted female GP dentists