Celebrating Women in Dentistry

Dr. Robert C. Margeas, DDS

As women have worked to overcome gender inequality, sometimes racial discrimination, and countless social obstacles to enter the traditionally male-dominated profession of dentistry, they have continuously demonstrated their incredible value with contributions in the areas of clinical practice, research, education, and the industry. In this month's cover story, Inside Dentistry explores the achievements of women in dentistry, and several trailblazing female dentists share their experiences in various aspects of the profession as well as offer advice on navigating the paths to leadership and success.

I've had the honor of working with several of our contributors in academia and the industry, including Lily T. García, DDS, MS, who was the associate dean for education at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry before she went on to become the dean of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Betsy Bakeman, DDS, who is the current president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Although, as the article notes, women are still underrepresented in leadership roles throughout dentistry and work remains to be done, with Bakeman's appointment, three of the last five AACD presidents have been women-something the organization should be proud of and that other dental professional organizations should seek to emulate.

I couldn't speak about amazing women in dentistry without mentioning the one I've been most honored to work with, my wife Andrea. Being married to a dentist, I see firsthand all of the things that women dentists have to juggle if they want to have a family and be successful professionally. If I'm not lecturing or teaching, I begin each week practicing in Iowa, then return to my home in Michigan for a long weekend; however, my wife practices in our home state all week. When I finish working, I get to come home and decompress. But on the days that I'm out of state, she has to do everything for the kids-lunches, school, appointments, after-school sports, and more-all while running her practice. And did I mention that she's also the general contractor overseeing the construction of our new home? I admire the fact that she, many of the women featured in our article, and strong women everywhere are able to be dedicated mothers while becoming successful entrepreneurs, educators, and leaders in dentistry. They may not all be able to be dentists full time, but they are all working full time—or overtime.

Other content in this month's issue includes a CE on pulpal diagnosis and treatment terminology as well as articles addressing considerations for cementing or screw-retaining implant crowns and the use of the apical gingival displacement technique. As always, your insights and feedback are welcome. Feel free to contact me at the address below—I look forward to hearing from you!

About the Author

Robert C. Margeas, DDS
Editor-in-Chief, Inside Dentistry
Private Practice, Des Moines, Iowa
Adjunct Professor
Department of Operative Dentistry
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
rmargeas_eic@aegiscomm.com