The story of dentistry hasn’t always looked the way it does today. Over the years, women have steadily reshaped the profession, entering dental schools in greater numbers, expanding presence across specialties and increasingly leading their own practices.

In honor of Women’s History Month, it’s worth reflecting on several pioneers whose work continues to influence how dental professionals deliver care, educate patients and manage practices.

Growth of women in dental schools

When dentistry was first becoming a formalized profession in the 1800s, women pursuing dental education was extremely rare. Dental schools during that time were considered a male-only domain due to beliefs that women lacked the physical strengths (like non-steady hands and unfit grip strength) to take on procedures. Lucy Hobbs Taylor cleared the first path for females interested in dentistry, by becoming the first female to earn a degree in the field in 1866. Dr. Taylor was denied admittance to multiple dental schools, so she opened her own practice without a degree. Due to her success after practicing for several years on her own, the Ohio College of Dental Surgery waived the traditional coursework requirement and allowed her to take just one class before graduating with her DDS.

Two years later, Henriette Hirschfeld-Tiburtius became the first woman to complete a traditional, full course of study at the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery. While both women are recognized as the pioneers of breaking gender barriers in dental school and earning degrees, Emeline Roberts Jones was also in the scene during this time and is nationally honored as the first female dentist. She taught herself basic fillings and extractions and eventually joined her husbands dental practice in Connecticut in 1855.

Female ownership trends

With famous pioneers like Dr. Taylor and Dr. Jones widely known as the first females in dentistry and practice ownership, Ida Gray took on one of the most important barrer-breaking challenges and became the first African-American female dentist and practice owner in 1890. Dr. Gray also paved the way for de-segregated medical accessibility for treating both black and white patients in her practice. In 2021, ownership rates data showed females at roughly 60%.

Work-life balance pioneers

While the 1800s and 1900s were primarily dedicated to bridging the gender gap in the dental industry, women began bringing passion for work-life balance to the table in the 2000s. Dr. Effie Habsha founded Women in Dentistry: Work. Life. Balance in 2010. The organization was created to empower and connect women in the dental field, while stressing the extra importance of a well-balanced life as a female dentist.

Studies conducted in the 2000s showed female dentists working hours only differed from their male counterparts and slowed down after having children, indicating the willingness and improvements in acknowledgement and acceptance of work-life balances, especially for women.

Advice from successful owners

As more women step into leadership and ownership roles within dentistry, many experienced professionals have shared valuable lessons from their own career journeys. From leadership strategies to career advice, these insights offer helpful guidance for the next generation of female dentists for years to come:

• Recognize the importance of mentoring future leaders and seeking guidance along the way. 
• Know your worth and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not worth more money or becoming a part owner.
• Create a clear vision for the practice, communicate in ways that build trust, motivate teams and foster collaboration and demonstrate emotional intelligence.
• Lead by listening and inspiring, rather than taking charge of everything.
• Understand the value of the dental profession and volunteer.
• Connecting with others inside and outside of dentistry has resulted in sharing ideas, finding commonalities and assisting in problem solving.
• Take roles that allow for work and family life balance. Practice owners can create flexible work schedules or take extended leaves if needed, something not every role or profession has the luxury of doing. 

The bottom line: As the dental field continues to evolve, the growing influence of women will undoubtedly continue to play a major role in shaping its future. Reflecting on these milestones highlights how far the profession has come, as well as the continued opportunities for leadership and growth among women.