DR. ACE GOERIG
OWNER & CO-FOUNDER DDS, MS, ABE Diplomate
While dentistry (like most professions) was predominantly male in the past, that will not be the case in the future. Currently, both sexes comprise approximately 50% of first-year dental students, with the women edging out the men slightly. The same trends are reflected in endodontic residencies, so the future of endodontics will be fully balanced demographically.
We know it has taken a lot of social progress to get to this point of equal representation. However, most people don’t know that women in dentistry were part of our profession from the very beginning.
History of women in dentistry
The 1800s were a busy time for the professionalization of dentistry:
- The first dental college, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, opened in 1840.
- Alabama became the first state to regulate professional dental standards in 1841.
- The American Dental Association was founded in 1859.
- Harvard Dental School, which was the first university-affiliated program to offer doctorate degrees, opened in 1867.
During this time, there were some notable women who opened the door in dentistry right from the beginning:
- In 1855, Emeline Roberts Jones became the first woman to practice dentistry. She started as an assistant to her husband, a dentist, and learned dental treatments from him.
- In 1866, Lucy Hobbs Taylor was the first woman to graduate from a dental school. She had been finally accepted into the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, after being denied previously on the basis of her sex.
By 1900, over 1000 women had followed these pioneers into the field. In 1928, the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) was founded, which pre-dates the American Association of Endodontists by 15 years, and endodontics as a recognized dental specialty by 35 years.
The AAWD describes their mission as:
By 1900, over 1000 women had followed these pioneers into the field. In 1928, the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) was founded, which pre-dates the American Association of Endodontists by 15 years, and endodontics as a recognized dental specialty by 35 years.
The AAWD describes their mission as:
“Our goal is to continue being the leading resource for advancing, connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists. We serve our members by offering a variety of programs and services that benefit the special needs of the busy woman dentist.”
Check out the AAWD website for more information.
Practice and team success in women-led practices
The success of female endodontists is reflected in the success of their thriving practices. At Endo Mastery, women endodontists working with our coaches prove that it’s possible to build successful, profitable practices while keeping a healthy work-life balance. This is particularly relevant given that women often still carry a greater share of home and childcare responsibilities.
Many female endodontists are known for their patient-centered approaches, emphasizing communication and empathy. This aligns with studies that suggest patients often perceive women in healthcare roles as more nurturing and compassionate. This perception can be particularly beneficial in endodontics, where patient anxiety is common.
And finally, the contributions of women extend beyond the doctors themselves. The majority of support staff in endodontic practices are women, and their roles are crucial in creating a positive patient experience. Their ability to communicate empathetically and provide comforting and reassuring interactions is essential in managing patient concerns and building trust.
There is no doubt that the increasing influence of women in endodontics is a positive development that benefits the entire profession. Their unique perspectives and dedication to patient care are driving innovation and shaping the future of endodontic practices!