| Factor | Frequency (%) |
|---|---|
| Previous experience | 387 (38.7%) |
| Friends’ experience | 296 (29.6%) |
| Nothing affects preference for dentist’s gender | 244 (24.4%) |
| Preferred gender “is more confident” | 240 (24.0%) |
| Religious beliefs | 186 (18.6%) |
| Cultural beliefs | 141 (14.1%) |
| Shyness | 140 (14.0%) |
| Opinion of spouse/parents | 123 (12.3%) |
| Societal norms | 82 (8.2%) |