Women in Dentistry

Author: Kimberly N. Powell, DDS, MS, FAGD

Breaking Barriers: A Historical Journey of Women in Dentistry was an article posted in a recent edition of AGD Impact. The article highlighted the winding path of women entering into the dental profession. This story spans centuries. The first dental license obtained by a woman to practice dentistry was in 1855, Emeline Roberts Jones. Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor defied the odds and became the first woman to earn a dental degree in 1866. These ladies and many others like them faced limited opportunities, stereotypes, resistance, discrimination, and multiple other challenges. Because of there persistence, dentists like myself and colleagues can enjoy practicing in the profession today. As we moved into the 20th century, female enrollment in dental schools increased but still not without its challenges. Gender pay gap, limited opportunities for specialization, and lower acceptance rates in denial schools persisted. But women are resilient. We began assuming leadership positions in dental organizations, educational institutions, and private practices. There is a beginning, middle, and end story in every profession and everyone’s life. I think in the dental profession, women are in the middle. The middle is the longest part, the time were endurance is needed, a time where movement seems automated, many peaks of joy, and seasons in the valley, a time of learning and putting into practice. I am sure the women in those early years of the profession were recognized for their potential contribution and found support and mentorship from some in the majority class. It has been said, “A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you” (Bob Proctor). Having the mentorship of Dr. Dickerhoff has been invaluable to me. The work I do encompasses all the specialties of dentistry, that is because of him, and that allows me to provide a better service to our patients. I am one of many female dentists who love what they do! I am truly grateful for the women who came before me and the ones who work beside me.

Source: Breaking Barriers; A Historical Journey of Women in Dentistry, Amrita Rohit Patel, DDS, FPFA, FICD, AGD Impact, March 2024, Vol. 52, No. 3