Leading Their Way

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Categories: Practice Management, HR and Accounting;
Leading Their WayWomen shaping modern dentistry on their own terms
There’s no single way to lead in dentistry, and no single way to build a meaningful career. As part of our special Women in Dentistry issue, we spoke with 14 women whose paths span the full spectrum of the profession: dentists across multiple specialties, an orthodontist, a hygienist, and a retired clinician reflecting on a career well lived. Some are early in practice ownership; others lead nationally, teach, innovate, or mentor. All have shaped dentistry in ways that feel deeply personal and intentionally their own.

Rather than focusing on titles or accolades, these conversations center on the choices behind their careers: what drew them to dentistry, how their definition of success has evolved, and what they’ve learned as they’ve navigated a profession that has changed—sometimes slowly, sometimes dramatically—over time. Many speak candidly about confidence, boundaries, leadership, and balance. Others reflect on mentorship, motherhood, partnership, and the freedom that comes from designing a career around real life rather than the other way around.

Together, these voices reflect the many ways women are shaping dentistry today through leadership, mentorship, innovation, and everyday patient care. The profiles that follow offer insight from across specialties, career stages, and lived experience, each grounded in honesty and perspective. Taken together, they form a collective snapshot of a profession strengthened by women who lead with intention, adaptability, and purpose.
Dr. Jonelle Anamelechi Dr. Jonelle Anamelechi is a board-certified pediatric dentist, multi-practice owner, and airway-focused clinician who helps children feed better, speak more clearly, breathe more freely, and smile brighter from birth. She advocates for early dental intervention and interdisciplinary care as a foundation for healthier breathing, sleep, and development.

 What inspired you to pursue dentistry?
I’m “that girl” who decided at five years old she was going to be a dentist—and then charged classmates on the playground to pull teeth. The entrepreneurial spirit stuck; the fees have just improved.

What’s the one lesson you’ve learned as a woman in dentistry?
I’m constantly asked about the “perfect time” for marriage, kids, practice ownership, or leadership—and it doesn’t exist. Some things you build by saying yes or signing the loan; others arrive on their own timeline, and when they do, you don’t ask permission to take up space.

How do you define success today?
Today, I define success as having the freedom to redefine what serving through dentistry looks like. Beyond being a board-certified pediatric dentist, I am a CEO and founder of three practices, as well as a speaker, author, professor, advocate, consultant, board member, and mentor—proof that dentistry doesn’t have to be limited to drilling and filling. And to the professor who once told me to “sit down and look pretty,” I’m glad I didn’t listen.
Dr. Rachel Bishop Dr. Rachel Bishop is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with dual dental and medical training, specializing in pediatric cleft and craniofacial care. She is committed to delivering surgical excellence and compassionate, patient-centered treatment.

What inspired you to pursue dentistry?
I have always been drawn to a career that allows me to help others. Dentistry provided the opportunity to work closely with patients while making a meaningful impact on their lives. The field offers remarkable diversity in patient care, encompassing orthodontics, surgery, anesthesia, and beyond. As my career evolved into a surgical practice, I discovered a deep sense of fulfillment in working primarily with children with cleft and craniofacial differences.

What’s one piece of wisdom you’d share with aspiring female dentists?
While it is often easier said than done, learning not to focus excessively on minor setbacks is an important perspective. As I have matured as a surgeon, I have come to appreciate that life has a way of unfolding as it should. Too often, we devote significant energy to stressing over individual grades or minor concerns when that time and effort could be more meaningfully invested in pursuing our passions and long-term goals.

How do you balance personal and professional life?
Achieving balance in life can be challenging, as it is easy to prioritize work at the expense of personal time and other pursuits. I make a deliberate effort each day to engage in activities I genuinely enjoy, which helps me recharge. This practice allows me to remain grounded, focused, and fully present for my patients.
Dr. Macey Cartrite Dr. Macey Cartrite is a Texas native who values thoughtful, collaborative care and strong relationships with referring colleagues. She completed her dental and medical training in Texas and received comprehensive oral and maxillofacial surgery training at Parkland Hospital.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned as a woman in dentistry?
I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. As women, we often bring a softer demeanor, and I once worried that might be seen as a weakness. Over time, I’ve realized that quiet competence carries just as much authority as big personalities. Patients and team members admire calm, steady leadership. I have come to appreciate that empathy and strength can coexist, and together they create trust, respect, and better care.

What change would you like to see for women in dentistry in the next decade?
I would love to see stronger connection and community among female dentists. We share so many similar experiences, and having a supportive network to celebrate wins, offer guidance, and provide mentorship would be incredibly powerful. Women face unique challenges in professional fields, and a close community could make a tremendous difference, especially for new dentists finding their way.

What is one piece of wisdom you’d share with aspiring female dentists?
At times, people may underestimate you, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to let my work speak for itself rather than trying to prove my worth with words. Focus on excellence, kindness, and integrity, and your reputation will open the right doors. Confidence grows through action, and patients will always recognize genuine care and skill.
Dr. Meghna Dassani Dr. Meghna Dassani is a general and sleep dentist passionate about helping patients reclaim their health through better sleep. She’s on a mission to bridge the gap between dentistry and medicine, one airway at a time.

What inspired you to pursue dentistry?
After an impactful summer hanging out at my dentist’s office, I realized that I loved that dentistry allowed me to blend science, art, and human connection. Over time, I realized it was also a gateway to whole-body health, and that’s what led me to sleep dentistry.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned as a woman in dentistry?
You don’t have to lead like anyone else to make an impact. The more I’ve trusted my instincts and built my practice around my values, the more fulfillment and success have followed.

How do you define success today?
Success, to me, is helping patients sleep, breathe, and live better and still having the energy to enjoy my own life. It’s not about more hours or more production; it’s about meaningful impact and balance.

What change would you like to see for women in dentistry in the next decade?
I want to see more women owning their power in both clinical and leadership spaces. We bring intuition, empathy, and vision to health care, and it’s time those strengths reshape the profession.
Dr. Lynn Doan Dr. Lynn Doan is a dentist and co-owner of The Dental Bar in Aurora, Colorado, alongside her husband, Dr. Kha Nguyen. She is passionate about leadership, practice culture, and creating a dental experience that patients actually look forward to.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned as a woman in dentistry?
One of the biggest lessons I have learned, especially as a woman in leadership, is that the same behavior can be judged differently than it is for our male colleagues. I have worked with male leaders who could be firm and still be seen as “easygoing.” That same directness from a woman is sometimes perceived negatively. For a while, it made me feel like I had to choose between being respected or being liked. Eventually, I had let go of trying to manage how others saw me and focused on leading in a way that stayed true to who I am.

How do you define success today?
Success used to look like milestones and numbers. It was about how many practices we could build or what we could achieve next. As our family has grown, my definition of success has changed too. Today, success is being present as a mom. It means supporting our team, caring deeply for our patients, and still having time for family. It is less about chasing the next milestone and more about creating a life that feels full and meaningful in this season.

What is one piece of wisdom you’d share with aspiring female dentists?
For women especially, there is a lot of pressure to always be visible, polished, and proving ourselves. I love social media, but it can make it easy to compare and feel like you are falling behind when you see other female dentists doing amazing things. A good reminder is that you do not have to post or share everything to be successful or impactful. It is okay to do meaningful work quietly, focus on your life, and log off when you need to.
Dr. Julia Tostado Dr. Julia Tostado earned her DDS from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León and completed her Master of Science in orthodontics at Centro de Estudios Superiores de Ortodoncia. She currently practices at the family-owned clinic, Tostado Ortodoncia, and shares insights with the orthodontic community through her contributions on Orthotown’s social media.

What inspired you to pursue orthodontics?
Orthodontics runs in my family. My dad is my biggest inspiration. Seeing firsthand how improving a smile can transform a person’s confidence made me realize I wanted to make that same impact in people’s lives.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned as a woman in dentistry?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust my voice and my abilities. As a woman in dentistry, confidence is just as important as clinical skill. I’ve learned that confidence is built, not given, and learning to advocate for myself and believe in my abilities has been one of the most important parts of my journey.

How do you balance personal and professional life?
Balance isn’t about perfection; it’s about flexibility, and we shouldn’t feel guilty about that. I try to plan ahead and stay organized with both my work and personal life so I can show up as my best self, personally and professionally.
Dr. Heather Gentry Dr. Heather Gentry, owner of Gentry Dental in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a University of Alabama School of Dentistry honors graduate with more than 20 years of experience, known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach and expertise in holistic, biological, and advanced dental care.

What change would you like to see for women in dentistry in the next decade?
In the next decade, I’d like to see more women owning dental practices and building thriving businesses that shape the future of the profession. I also hope to see women earn the respect and trust they deserve for their expertise in the field.

How do you balance personal and professional life?
As a dentist, I balance work and life by starting early and being efficient, so I can finish on time and protect my evenings. I stay active with pickleball and CrossFit after work and prioritize my health over business demands, setting firm boundaries to ensure I’m at my best both professionally and personally. This includes not answering non-emergency calls or emails outside of business hours, allowing me to fully disconnect and recharge.

What’s one piece of wisdom you’d share with aspiring female dentists?
To every aspiring female dentist: Don’t be discouraged by the fact that dentistry has long been male-dominated. Patients will value you for your compassion, gentleness, and empathy. Also, find a great mentor early in your career to guide and support you, and most importantly, follow your dreams, because with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.
Dr. Jeanette MacLean Dr. Jeanette MacLean is a board-certified pediatric dentist, private practice owner in Glendale, Arizona, and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is an internationally recognized advocate for minimally invasive dentistry and has brought national attention to noninvasive cavity treatments like silver diamine fluoride through continuing education and media features.

What inspired you to pursue dentistry?
My mom, a registered nurse, suggested that I look into dentistry when I was a college student thinking of medical school. I spent a semester shadowing dentists in various clinical settings—private practice, public health, oral surgery, perio, etc.—and it was my time spent in a pediatric dental practice that made me realize that it was the career for me.

What’s one piece of wisdom you’d share with aspiring female dentists?
Kids grow up fast; you blink, and they’ll be off to college. The patients will still be there, but your kids are only little once, so never feel guilty to take time out of the office to be with them during their school breaks or see their school performances.

How do you balance personal and professional life?
My secret weapon is my stay-at-home husband. He is an attorney with an MBA who turned Mr. Mom, chef, personal shopper, tech support, house manager, and more. Having a great partner in life helps me keep it all together.
Dr. Seena Patel Dr. Seena Patel is a dentist who specializes in orofacial pain and oral medicine. She is a diplomate of both the American Board of Orofacial Pain and American Board of Oral Medicine. She works in both private practice and as an associate professor at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health.

What inspired you to pursue dentistry?
My family inspired me to pursue a profession in health care. They instilled in me the value of helping others in a meaningful way. I found dentistry as a great career path to make a significant impact in a person’s life. It combines managing oral health and disease through diagnosis and procedural/surgical modalities. Oral health is such an integral part of a person’s quality of life, and I wanted to be in a profession where I can directly improve a person’s life.

How do you define success today?
From a professional standpoint, being a successful dentist means being compassionate and dedicated, treating your patients to the best of your ability, and being a lifelong learner. To me, living successfully also involves being disciplined, peaceful, and helpful to your family, friends, and community.

How do you balance personal and professional life?
Time management and prioritizing things in my personal life help me balance these two important arenas. I also try to set boundaries so that when I’m not working, I focus on non-work-related activities.
Linda Douglas, BSc, RDH Linda Douglas, BSc, RDH, is a course instructor at O’Hehir University and editor in chief of the International Journal for Applied Health Behavior Change. She has practiced in public health, periodontology, and private practice in London and Toronto, and writes and presents continuing education on xerostomia, saliva testing, eating disorders, dental anxiety, and clinician well-being.

What inspired you to pursue a career in dental hygiene?
I have always liked science and taking care of people. I used to work as an OR practitioner, but switched to dental because I like patients better when they are awake. I enjoy developing a rapport with patients and seeing their oral health improve under my care. I also liked the flexibility to work part-time when our daughter was young.

How do you define success today?
I am now retired from clinical practice and teach an online university program while studying for a master’s in online education. Whatever I do, success to me is to do the work I love and do it well, and seek ways to improve continuously. I would love to complete a PhD in due course, if I can get funding for the research. We’ll see.

What’s one piece of wisdom you’d share with aspiring or new hygienists?
Give your very best every day, never stop learning, and always strive to improve.
Dr. Amanda Seay Dr. Amanda Seay is a restorative dentist and practice owner in Charleston, South Carolina, specializing in comprehensive restorative care. She is a clinical instructor at the Kois Center and serves in national leadership roles within organized dentistry, including president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned as a woman in dentistry?
I’ve learned the importance of appreciating where I am in my own journey rather than comparing myself to those doing the level of dentistry I once only dreamed of. What used to make me feel “less than” eventually became the inspiration that pushed me forward. I wish I’d given myself more grace and the confidence to trust that, with time and commitment, I would grow into the clinician I aspired to be.

How do you define success today?
I’ve learned that success isn’t defined by a single milestone—finishing a curriculum, completing a training program, or even reaching a certain income. Those achievements matter, but true success is about how you put your knowledge into practice: delivering high-quality dentistry with efficiency, integrity, and consistency. For me, success is the ability to do meaningful work, earn a good living, and still have the space to enjoy my life.

What’s one piece of wisdom you’d share with aspiring female dentists?
Design your schedule around the life you want—whether that means your children’s routines, personal time, or space for your own growth—and then build your practice around that vision. Don’t get caught on the hamster wheel of letting the practice run you. Be intentional from the beginning, because the earlier you set those boundaries, the more sustainable and fulfilling your career will be.
Dr. Stevie Ames Roberts Dr. Stevie Ames Roberts is a general dentist and owner of Dentiste in Kirkland, Washington, and cofounder of Duo Toothpaste, a sustainable oral care brand featuring nano-hydroxyapatite and plastic-free packaging. She is passionate about advancing dentistry through innovation and empowering women to build fulfilling, balanced careers in the profession.

What inspired you to pursue dentistry?
I was drawn to dentistry because it brings together science, art, and human connection. It allows me to work with my hands, solve problems in real time, and help people gain confidence in their smiles. Every day offers the chance to improve someone’s health while building meaningful relationships with patients and my team.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned as a woman in dentistry?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that there are many ways to define success in dentistry, and that definition changes as your priorities change. With the support of my all-female team, I have been able to build a practice I love, cofound an oral wellness brand, be present as a mom to my two-year-old, and still make time to visit family on the East Coast. Dentistry is an incredibly flexible profession that can grow and evolve with you through different stages of life.

What change would you like to see for women in dentistry in the next decade?
I would love to see even more women in leadership positions across all areas of dentistry, including education, innovation, and practice ownership. It’s important that women put themselves in positions where they can control their careers.
Dr. Katie To Dr. Katie To is a biological and cosmetic dentist, international speaker, and founder of the Wellness Dentist Institute. She is known for integrating oral health with whole-body wellness and for advancing biological dentistry through education and innovation.

What inspired you to pursue dentistry?
Dentistry initially drew me in as a blend of science, artistry, and service, but my personal health journey transformed it into a deeper calling. I realized the mouth plays a critical role in overall health, and I wanted to practice dentistry in a way that truly changes lives.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned as a woman in dentistry?
You don’t have to fit an existing mold to be successful—you can build your own. The moment I stopped trying to practice like everyone else and fully owned my values, my impact and fulfillment grew exponentially.

What change would you like to see for women in dentistry in the next decade?
I’d love to see more women step confidently into leadership, ownership, and innovation without burnout or guilt. Supporting women to build practices and careers aligned with their health, families, and purpose is essential.
Dr. Kimberly Ruona Dr. Kimberly Ruona is a University of Michigan School of Dentistry graduate who practiced in private and academic settings before joining the full-time faculty at UTHealth Houston in 2011. She retired in 2024 after serving in multiple leadership roles, including associate dean for patient care, and is a longtime Dentaltown member who recently celebrated her 20-year Townie anniversary.

Looking back on your career, what changes have you seen for women in dentistry that stand out most?
I think we are past the era of being mistaken for the assistant or hygienist, so that’s a plus. The number of female role models and mentors in dental school and in private practice is certainly increasing, especially across all specialties, so don’t be shy about reaching out and asking for help, advice, or specific guidance at any stage of your career. Dentistry remains a great profession for those who want to be their own boss, set their own schedule, or chart their own course.

What’s one lesson or piece of wisdom you’d share with the next generation of female dental professionals?
Not specifically for the female dentists, but I’d encourage everyone to not be afraid to move, whether it’s geographically or simply out of your comfort zone. I’ve made four significant moves since graduating from college, and each time I’ve known exactly zero or two people in my new location. That leaves one no choice but to figure things out and meet new people. For me, each move was definitely a net positive—personally, professionally, and financially.

What do you enjoy most about this early phase of retirement?
That’s easy—no alarm clock (I am not a morning person), no laptop as my constant companion, and to borrow an insightful phrase from a friend’s dad who was a farmer his entire life, “My thoughts are my own.”
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