Gender equality in orthodontic literature and leadership in the United States.

The objective of this study was to evaluate gender equality in orthodontics by reviewing the authorship in three orthodontic journals in addition to the involvement of women in leadership roles within orthodontic organizations and academia in the United States. Three journals representing orthodontics were selected to analyze the author demographics for the years 1986, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2008. Inclusion criteria were at least one first or last author with a dental degree whose primary affiliation was in the United States. Female leadership was assessed in three orthodontic organizations as well as orthodontic program directorship. Overall, the percentage of female first authors increased significantly from 0% to 18% in the years studied (P = .004). The change of the percentage of female last authors was not statistically significant (P = .719). The participation of women in leadership roles within orthodontic organizations and in orthodontic program director positions has been limited. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that women are underrepresented in orthodontic authorship and leadership.