Career Paths for Women in Dentistry

Like many things, dentistry is an industry that was once male-dominated. Thankfully, times have changed, allowing women to pursue any professional endeavor that they may desire. 

There are a myriad of different dental career paths that a woman might choose. Continue reading to learn about some of the best career paths for women in dentistry.

Overview of the Importance of Gender Diversity in Dentistry

Gender diversity within the dental industry is important for many reasons. One of the most notable reasons is the assurance of enhanced patient care, particularly for female patients who may feel much more comfortable discussing health issues or treatment options with a woman dentist.

Having a considerable number of women strongly established within the dental field can also serve as a major source of pride and inspiration for young girls or women who may someday wish to pursue a career in dentistry – or healthcare, in general.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), women made up approximately 37.7% of all dentists in the United States as of 2023, marking a significant increase from previous decades. This exciting growth reflects the broader trend of women entering (and excelling in) the dental industry.

The ADA also reports that women accounted for 56% of first-year dental students in 2021. This statistic highlights a critical turning point, indicating that more women are pursuing dental education and will likely continue to increase their representation in the profession. This influx of female students ensures that the future of dentistry will be more gender-balanced, leading to a richer, more diverse workforce that can better meet the needs of a diverse patient population.

Educational Pathways in Dentistry & Dental School Requirements

In order to enter dental school, there are a few different academic requirements that must first be met. A Bachelor’s Degree must be achieved, typically in a science field such as chemistry or biology. Within the individual’s schooling, they must take classes such as:

• Biology
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Physics
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• Psychology 

These classes provide a wealth of knowledge that is necessary for entering dental school, becoming a doctor of dentistry, and successfully treating patients.

Most dental school programs also require applicants to have observation hours and hands-on experience under their belt. This helps enforce the student’s interest and dedication to the field while simultaneously providing them with valuable experience learning from dental professionals who have already entered the field.

Recommendation letters are also usually required upon application to an accredited dental school. These letters may be written by professors, employers, dentists, or other professionals. In general, a recommendation letter should include insight into the student’s working capabilities, achievements, and experience. It may also detail their dedication to the dental field as a whole, as well as a bit of information about who they are as a person. 

When it comes to scholarships, there are a number of options that are available specifically for women who wish to attend dental school. One notable example is the Dr. Bessie Elizabeth Delaney Scholarship for Women. This scholarship is available to female dental students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to the advancement of women in dentistry. 

Dental Specialization Options

There are a wide variety of options for specialization within the dental field. Below is a comprehensive list of some of the most popular and prominent professional dental specializations:

• General Dentistry: General dentists specialize in routine preventative and restorative treatment. They work to ensure that their patients understand how to properly maintain healthy teeth and gums, and provide treatments such as routine check-ups, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, and more.

• Orthodontics: Orthodontists specialize in straightening the teeth and correcting issues with the bite. In most cases, orthodontists offer treatment such as traditional braces or Invisalign.

• Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists specialize in restoring their patients’ smiles with dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, or dentures. They may also treat certain disorders of the jaw.

• Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentists specialize in dental care for children. In addition to studying the primary teeth especially, they are usually well-versed in child psychology, allowing them to better understand and interact with their young patients.

• Periodontics: Periodontists specialize in the treatment of gum disease. They provide their patients with treatments that are designed to stop the progression of gum disease and maintain the healthiest possible gums overall.

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral surgeons specialize in complex tooth extractions, craniofacial surgery, bone grafting, dental implants, and surgery of the jaw. In some cases, they even perform facial cosmetic surgery.

• Endodontics: Endodontists are dental professionals that specialize in root canal therapy. In many cases, general dentists will refer their patients to an endodontist if a root canal is needed on a molar tooth, or if the root canal treatment requires special attention and expertise.

Career Opportunities

Below is a comprehensive list of the different types of dental career opportunities:

Clinical

• • Dentist: Dentists are responsible for providing patients with preventative and restorative dental treatment. They also ensure that their patients are fully informed on properly caring for their teeth. Dentists work together with both clinical and administrative staff to coordinate treatment for their patients.
  • Oral Hygienist: Oral Hygienists provide dental hygiene treatment for their patients. They perform routine cleanings, take x-rays, and provide gum disease treatment. The oral hygienist works to ensure that their patients are educated on the importance of proper dental hygiene at home and works together with the dentist to form a concise treatment plan.
  • Dental Assistant: Dental assistants provide a wide range of duties within the dental practice, from cleaning and sterilizing rooms and equipment to physically assisting dental professionals during treatment. Dental assistants may also be responsible for scheduling patients, communicating the patient’s needs to other members of staff, taking dental X-rays, and scheduling appointments.
  • Dental Specialist: Dental specialists specialize in certain aspects of dentistry. Career paths as a dental specialist include oral surgery, periodontics, pedodontics, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and prosthodontics.
  • Dental Laboratory Technician: Dental laboratory technicians are responsible for taking dental impressions or molds and using them to create dentures, mouthguards, crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics. They are also typically responsible for prosthetic repairs. In some cases, dental lab technicians may work on-site if the clinic has its own dental laboratory. In other cases, dental lab technicians work in a stand-alone laboratory that ships out final products to dental clinics as needed.

Administrative

• • Office Manager: Dental office managers are responsible for overseeing all activities within the dental clinic. They manage the administrative staff, ensuring that all patients are cared for as required promptly. They may also be responsible for ordering office supplies, interviewing new staff members, and managing monthly budgets. Office managers work together with all staff members to create a cohesive and well-oiled working environment.

• • Receptionist: The dental receptionist plays a key role, as they are the first face that greets the patient when they enter the practice. They are also often the first point of contact, whether it be through a phone call or through email. Receptionists are responsible for taking and directing calls, assisting patients with checking into their appointments, taking insurance information, and managing patient charts and records.

• • Billing Specialist: Billing specialists handle all aspects of billing, from discussing payment options with patients to communicating with insurance companies to process claims. Billing specialists are often up-to-date on the latest information in dental billing codes.

Private Practice

Private practices typically feature a small, close-knit team. It is quite common for staff members in private practice to take on many duties; for example, the office manager may handle all of the administrative roles mentioned above, while the dental assistant and dental hygienist may work together to share duties such as sterilization or dental x-rays. A private practice can be ideal for someone who wants a more slow-paced environment.

Academic and Research Roles

Work in dental research involves conducting studies and clinical trials to explore dental diseases, treatments, and technologies, advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. Academic roles in dentistry, such as clinical instructors or professors, focus on educating future dental professionals through lectures and hands-on training. 

Public Health Dentistry

Public dental health professionals conduct research, advocate for health policies, and collaborate with various organizations to create effective interventions, ultimately aiming to reduce health disparities and enhance community oral health.

Corporate Dentistry

Corporate dentistry operates through large dental service organizations (DSOs) that manage multiple dental practices under one name. While the corporate entity handles the marketing and human resources, dental professionals are given the opportunity to concentrate on patient care rather than having to juggle their clinical duties with the complexities that come along with running a business.

 Government and Military Roles

Government and military dental work involves providing comprehensive dental care to service members, veterans, and government employees. Dentists in these roles ensure the oral health of military personnel, conduct routine check-ups, and perform a wide range of dental procedures. Military dentists may be stationed on base, or they may be deployed to provide treatment for soldiers in combat zones or aboard naval vessels. 

Challenges and Barriers for Women in Dentistry

Below are some of the most common challenges and barriers that female dentists may face:

• Gender Bias and Stereotyping: Unfortunately, even in our modern times, there may be instances in which women dentists may be thought to be less accomplished and competent than male dentists, simply because they are a woman.

• Work-Life Balance: Finding a balance between work and personal life may be difficult for female dental professionals, especially if they have children at home. 

• Access to Mentorship and Networking: In some cases, gender bias may come into play and prevent women dentists from gaining access to the same networking and mentorship benefits that their male counterparts enjoy.

• Salary Disparities: While the Equal Pay Act has been in place since 1963 to ensure that men and women who work the same job receive the same pay, there may be discrepancies. 

While these barriers and challenges may prove to be harrowing, they can be overcome by:

• Fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion 
• Promoting awareness and education about the accomplishments and competencies of female dentists
• Flexible scheduling, family-friendly policies, and access to childcare resources
• Establishing dedicated mentorship programs and professional organizations aimed at supporting women in dentistry
• Transparency in pay structures

Success Strategies for Aspiring Female Dentists

Below are some ideal success strategies for aspiring female dentists:

• Building a Professional Network: This can be done by joining professional organizations, attending industry conferences, and engaging in online dental communities to connect with female peers and mentors who can offer guidance and support.

• Continuing Education and Skill Development: Pursuing continuing education courses and specialized training allows women to stay updated on the latest advancements in dentistry, enhancing their skills and increasing their career opportunities.

• Leadership and Advocacy: Taking on leadership roles in professional organizations and advocating for gender equality within the dental field can empower women to influence change, inspire others, and advance their careers.

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