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Professional Courtesy: Wonder Women in Dentistry by Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD

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This month our cover focuses on women in dentistry. This special section of the magazine, starting on page 70, is a celebration of the contributions that women make to this profession. Although I'm clearly not a woman, I will do my best to share my observations as an outsider.

In dental school we learned the story of Lucy Hobbs Taylor, the first American woman to graduate from dental school. Initially denied admission, she studied privately with a professor from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery and subsequently started her own practice. After gaining professional recognition with the Iowa State Dental Society, Hobbs Taylor was finally admitted to dental school—she graduated in 1866.

My dental school class graduated 129 years later and there were 24 women in a class of 78—a better ratio, but not exactly progress at the speed of light. Fast-forward another 21 years: dental schools are graduating classes that are nearly 50 percent women and 50 percent men.

My next observation is the simple fact that the majority of dental professionals are women, and it's been that way for a very long time. Dental hygienists, assistants, patient coordinators and office managers are positions in the dental practice usually held by women. Thank goodness, because something tells me a dental practice staffed entirely by men would not do well. If you have seen this dental unicorn, please let me know.

My personal experience with women in dentistry comes from my wife of 19 years. We met in dental school and have practiced together for the last 14 years. When I ask her about her career in dentistry so far, she tells me that in the early years out of school, patients often assumed she was the dental assistant or dental hygienist. That's not the case as much anymore. (I will be quick to add, she still looks just as young as the day she graduated.)

My wife also tells me that one of the things she loves the most about dentistry is the flexibility it has afforded her in raising our family. We worked opposite schedules when the kids were babies and she continues to work a three-days-per-week schedule. I hope you enjoy our Women in Dentistry section. Here's a quick look at the unique and interesting stories you'll find:
  • Sarah Anders, chief operating officer at Ivoclar Vivadent, shares her experiences from more than 20 years in the dental industry.
  • Dr. Emily Letran shares her brave story: her childhood in a Vietnam mired in war, and spending seven days at sea to arrive in the U.S. at age 13. She is now a dentist, mother and the owner of two dental corporations in Southern California.
  • We recognize Cecilia Mescain, winner of the 11th annual AADOM Office Manager of the Year Award. She is the office manager for Dr. Robert Grunstein's dental practice in Paterson, New Jersey.
  • The American Association of Women Dentists answer questions and offer advice to help female dentists find career success and life balance.
  • A look at Brasseler USA's Women in Dentistry Advisory Board's first event. This is an example of a company making appropriate efforts to address the needs of its growing female customer base.
  • A snapshot of Tahirih Justice Center and the work of Dr. Helen Jafari, who has donated her time and expertise to address the dental needs of immigrant women who are fleeing gender-based violence.
  • Dr. Josie Dovidio shares her insights as a working mother running a busy private practice in Simi Valley, California. And Dr. Yarelis Cartagena writes about how she juggles motherhood and practice ownership.
Looking ahead, future issues celebrating the impact of women on the dental profession could include answers to questions we have yet to ask. I sincerely hope the many women involved at all levels of the dental profession will share their experiences and comments online under the digital versions of the stories I have mentioned in this column. Thank you for your contributions to the conversation. Feel free to email me at tom@dentaltown.com, or find me on Twitter @ddsTom.




Dentaltown Magazine
September 2025
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