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Women in Dentistry: "Dear Dentist...": Advice, Help and Inspiration from The American Association of

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Women in the Boardroom Header

The American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) is committed to "advancing, connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists." This diverse group of women, at different stages in their careers and working in all areas of dentistry, seeks to connect women of all generations to improve overall health and personal life. Dentaltown recently asked President Mary E. Martin, DDS, MEd (1984, University of Oklahoma, College of Dentistry), to share her perspective on her organization and how it influences women in dentistry and the future of the industry. In addition, AAWD members compiled answers to questions that matter to women in the industry.

"Our focus for 2016 is building bridges to connect our members—from both local and student chapters—with other dental organizations and other women's health organizations," President Martin said. "AAWD will build those bridges through advocacy, leadership and community."

Advocacy is important, said Dr. Martin, because it displays the organization's "commitment to the quality, access and excellence of dentistry."

Through leadership, the AAWD can help "educate and empower women dentists by providing educational opportunities and mentorship," she continued. "Collaboration with other dental and health organizations, and contributions to the development and awareness of evidence-based products, will advance and impact women dentists and their professional lives."

And by creating community, the organization helps women dentists to "create and sustain relationships with each other and our communities through diversity and inclusion," Dr. Martin said.

Women in the Boardroom cont.

How can dentists support and encourage young women's interest in a dental career?
Tawana K. Ware, DDS, MSD (2002, Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry)

"Women dentists becoming mentors is the best way that I've found to help girls and young women consider dentistry as a profession. Often they don't consider the profession as a result of not seeing women serve in this role. Women dentists can volunteer formally with Girl Scout groups or spend time with organizations that work with girls. The simplest approach that I have successfully tried is sharing my experiences with young women at my local church, or volunteering at my daughter's preschool. Whatever the approach—it doesn't matter. All that matters is that they see you! That's where the greatest impact is made."

Tips for the new woman dentist:
Brittany W. Bergeron, DDS (2013, University of Maryland School of Dentistry) "Don't think that your first job has to be your last. As you practice, you will develop your own style and methods of treating patients and that may or may not align with your employer's. It's OK to work in different offices before choosing to settle down; it will help you learn how you ultimately want to practice. Be true to yourself and find what works for you!"

Vishruti Patel, DDS (2002, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry)
"Being a part of organized dentistry and attending local meetings helped me connect with other dentists in the area. Most dentists are happy to share their successes and lessons learned, and mentor a new dentist."

Judith A. Belitz, DDS, MAGD (1990, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry)
"Select a person whom you greatly admire to be your mentor. The maturity and wisdom that this person has can be shared with you to strengthen and build upon your educational foundation. Education does not stop at graduation."

Winifred J. Booker, DDS (1987, Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry)
"Maintaining a command of due diligence is paramount to being the female owner of a robust pediatric dental practice and leading a grassroots nonprofit organization that is focused on the oral-health education of children and families."

Margaret I. Scarlett, DMD (1976, Medical University of South Carolina, College of Dental Medicine)
"Stay true to your values, have the courage to believe in yourself even when tested (especially with loan officers, financial advisors, salesmen, etc.) and define success in your own terms. YOU are the future of dentistry!"

Women in the Boardroom cont.

Challenges for women dentists
In private practice:
April Hearns, DDS (1998, Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry)
"Life and practice will have its challenges. It's how you respond that makes the distinction."

Tamara S. Berg, DDS (1995 University of Oklahoma, College of Dentistry)
"One of the biggest challenges for women in private practice is balancing your family and career. It's all about organization. You can be the homeroom mother of your grade-school child and have a successful private practice. I currently block off time to attend my son's high-school basketball games. I don't want to miss being a mom."

In Academia:
Sharon C. Siegel, DDS, MS, MBA (1979, University of Maryland, School of Dentistry) "The biggest challenge for women dentists in academia is finding balance between research, teaching, service and family. As an academician, men and women alike are judged on the triad of research, teaching and service for success and promotion.

"But women also need to balance caregiving for children, being a loving spouse, setting aside time for yourself and perhaps caring for ailing or aging parents. Finding a good mentor in the academic environment who ‘knows the ropes' and whom you can trust and guide you in being focused in your research is important. This will help you to stay balanced in academia and still enable you to be competitive. Having that trustworthy, experienced mentor who can help you focus on the important things and structure your schedule is key."

Elizabeth D. Ramos, DDS, MSD (1997, The Ohio State University, College of Dentistry) "Leaders in higher education recognize that approximately 50 percent of new faculty are women, but the number of women who become full professors drops to under 30 percent. I am fortunate that my campus has an Office for Women to provide support and opportunities so that women faculty, students and staff can realize our full potential.

"In dental education, only about 37 percent of full-time faculty members are female. In some disciplines, one may find herself the only female full-time faculty in her department. It's important to find mentors who will guide you in staying true to your values and achieving your goals. Mentors may be found outside your department, your school—even outside the field of dentistry."




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April 2024
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