A Woman Dentist

Today women comprise 35.5 percent of all new active private dental practitioners compared to 19.2 percent of all active private dentists. A dentist is a new dentist if she graduated from dental school in the last ten years. Things have certainly changed! When I graduated from dental school women comprised 10% of the class, up from 3% in the years before. But many women dentists work only part-time in order to combine work with family responsibilities. Often women work as associates rather than managing their own practices.

For over 86 years, the American Association of Women Dentists has supported women in dentistry. It was initially a social group, but it adapted to changing times and member concerns. For example, the AAWD guided members after World War II when women dentists lost positions they held while the men were overseas. The AAWD is today a national network for employment opportunities and scientific exchange.

Why go to a woman dentist? Studies show that women spend more time with their patients, communicate better and are more compassionate.

For more information about dental health visit www.drterryshapiro.com.