Data on the careers and work patterns of women dentists were established in 1975. Social and economic changes, as well as change within the profession, such as the fact that almost half the students entering dental schools are now female, pointed to the necessity of a further survey in 1985. Questionnaires were sent off to 4513 women dentists resident in England and Wales, with a resultant response of 76 per cent. Part of the questionnaire concentrated on the length of career breaks experienced by/taken by women dentists in order to determine whether there has been any change in the pattern of taking time out in dentistry over the decade. At the time of the survey, 388 women (12 per cent) were retired, in addition, just over half of the women who replied had experienced a break at some stage during their career. These breaks from practice are described and discussed.