A reflection on the role of women in Science, Dentistry and Brazilian Orthodontics

ABSTRACT Introduction: This paper reviews the history of women scientists in the 'Western world', whilst highlighting the persistent socio-structural issues that have led to the hiding and masking of the participation of women in Science. Further, a reflection is made of the situation of Dentistry, specifically in the field of Orthodontics in Brazil. The difference between genders is discussed, with the intention to map the progress of women in management and leadership positions, in both the academic and professional fields. Description: In Brazil, within Dentistry and Orthodontics, despite being in a numerical majority, women are still underrepresented in the area of professional leadership. This is true for Research Groups and Research Productivity; an example being the relatively low authorship of publications in a Brazilian journal of Orthodontics. They are also underrepresented as lead presenters at professional meetings, whilst there are also few female Presidents of professional organizations and associations. Conclusion: Despite being in a numerical majority, it is also important that women act in a more co-ordinated and consistent manner to achieve greater representation in these areas. The necessary changes in the structure in order to achieve this are not only of women and for women, but they must also involve the whole of society so that leadership, rights and duties are equally distributed between the genders.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou resgatar a história de mulheres cientistas nos principais períodos históricos do mundo ocidental, para realçar a questão socioestrutural persistente que "invisibiliza" e mascara a participação das mulheres na Ciência. A partir disso, realizou-se uma reflexão sobre a situação da Odontologia, especificamente na área de Ortodontia no Brasil, no que tange à diferença de gêneros, com a finalidade de mapear a atuação das mulheres nos cargos de gestão e liderança nos âmbitos acadêmico e profissional. Descrição: No Brasil, na área de Odontologia e Ortodontia, apesar de serem maioria numérica, as mulheres ainda são minoria na liderança de Grupos de Pesquisa, Produtividade em Pesquisa, na autoria de artigos em um periódico nacional da área de Ortodontia, palestrantes de congressos e na presidência de Associações de Classe. Conclusão: Apesar de apresentar maioria numérica, é importante que as mulheres atuem de maneira mais consistente. As mudanças necessárias na estrutura não são apenas da mulher e para a mulher, mas devem envolver toda a sociedade para que direitos e deveres sejam distribuídos de forma igualitária entre os sexos.

Apuntes históricos sobre la presencia de la mujer en la Estomatología villaclareña / Historical notes on the presence of women in Villa Clara's Dentistry

Fundamento: la presencia de la mujer en la Estomatología a lo largo de la historia, no ha sido un hecho irreverente o casual; el presente estudio indaga al respecto por la ausencia de textos que refieran su contribución en la citada profesión. Objetivo: caracterizar la presencia de la mujer en el desarrollo de la Estomatología en Villa Clara. Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva, empleando métodos empíricos: análisis documental y entrevistas a gestores de la historia e informantes clave; teóricos: análisis- síntesis, hermenéutico-dialéctico e histórico-lógico, al estudiar la evolución histórica de la profesión y el papel de la mujer en dicho proceso. Resultados: se destaca la participación de las féminas villaclareñas que alcanzaron su título universitario en los siglos XIX y XX, por su relevante labor. Se resaltó la dimensión humanista de las mencionadas en el estudio, verdaderos paradigmas, en función de formar valores en los futuros profesionales. Conclusiones: la mujer ha estado presente en el decursar histórico de la carrera de Estomatología, desde su labor docente, asistencial, investigativa y gerencial. Villa Clara cuenta con profesionales que por sus aportes científicos han contribuido a su desarrollo, y por su dimensión ético moral, a la formación de valores en las nuevas generaciones.

Background: the presence of women in Dentistry throughout history has not been a fortuitous or irreverent fact. The present study investigates this issue because of the lack of literature referring their contribution to this profession. Objective: to characterize the presence of women in the development of Dentistry in Villa Clara. Methods: a descriptive study was conducted using empirical methods that included a documentary analysis and interviews with history promoters and key informants. The theoretical methods used included analysis-synthesis, hermeneutic-dialectical method and historical-logical method, studying the historical development of the profession and the role of women in the process. Results: the participation of Villa Clara's women who achieved their undergraduate degree in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries stands out for their outstanding work. The humanistic dimension of these women is highlighted in the study, as true paradigms, with the aim of forming values in future professionals. Conclusions: women have been in the course of the history of Dentistry undergraduate studies, in teaching, assistance, research and managerial activities. Villa Clara has professionals who, for their scientific contributions, have help toward its development, and for their ethical and moral dimension have contributed to the formation of values in the new generations.