Celebrating Women in Dentistry: Breaking Barriers and Transforming Smiles

International Women’s Day is a time to honor and recognize the achievements of women across various fields, and dentistry is no exception. The world of oral healthcare has seen a remarkable transformation over the years, with women making significant strides in what was once a predominantly male-dominated profession. In honor of this holiday, we celebrate the contributions of women in dentistry, highlighting their accomplishments, challenges, and the positive impact they continue to have on the oral health landscape.

Despite the challenges faced by early female pioneers, women in dentistry have steadily increased in number and influence. Today, women excel as dentists and hold key roles in academia, research, and leadership within dental organizations. 

Check out some of the milestones made by women in dentistry: 

1740: Madeleine-Franciose Calais became the first female dentist to obtain a license as a master dentist from the Surgical Society of Paris.

1855: Emeline Roberts Jones became the first woman to practice dentistry in the United States.

1866: Lucy Hobbs Taylor became the first woman to graduate from a dental college (Ohio Dental College).

1874: Fanny A. Rambarger became the second American woman to earn the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1874 when she graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery. She worked in Philadelphia and limited her practice to women and children only.

1890: Ida Rollins became the first African-American woman to earn a dental degree in the United States, which she earned from the University of Michigan.

1892: The Women’s Dental Association of the U.S. was founded in 1892 by Mary Stillwell-Kuesel with 12 charter members.

1909: Minnie Evangeline Jordon established the first dental practice in the United States devoted to only pediatric patients.

1921: During the annual meeting of the American Dental Association (ADA), 12 female dentists met in Milwaukee and formed the Federation of American Women Dentists, now known as the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD). Their first president was Minnie Evangeline Jordon. 

1975: On July 1, 1975, Jeanne Sinkford became the first female dean of an American dental school when she was appointed the dean of Howard University, School of Dentistry. 

2001: Marjorie Jeffcoat became the first female editor of The Journal of the American Dental Association. 

2005: Michele Aerden became the first female president of the FDI World Dental Federation. 

2024: Dr. Linda J. Edgar is the current president of the American Dental Association.

2024: Roya Zandparsa, DDS, MSc, DMD is the President-Elect of the American Association of Women Dentists. 

Female dentists are not only making waves in private practices but are also contributing significantly to research and advancements in dental technology. From groundbreaking research on oral health to innovative approaches in patient care, women in dentistry are shaping the future of the profession. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s recognize and applaud the achievements of women in dentistry. Their dedication, expertise, and resilience have not only transformed smiles but have also broken down barriers in a profession that continues to evolve. By acknowledging and supporting the contributions of women in dentistry, we contribute to a more inclusive and diverse oral healthcare landscape for future generations.