Women’s History Month: A Reflection of Hope In Dental Achievements

Header Photo: M. Evangeline Jordon (center) with Alpha Upsilon Phi dental sorority. Photo courtesy of Archives and Special Collections, Library and Center for Knowledge Management, University of California, San Francisco

By Genni Burkhart, Editor

As graduation approaches, dental colleges nationwide will award diplomas to their graduating classes. In 2021, 51.6% of graduates from all U.S. Dental Schools were female, continuing a three-year trend in which they outnumbered their male counterparts. Out of the 66 dental schools, a remarkable 39 schools graduated with a higher percentage of female graduates than male, including eight schools where the majority was female. Such as:

• Howard University
• The University of Colorado
• The University of Puerto Rico
• The University of Texas at Houston
• The University of Pennsylvania
• The University of Nebraska Medical Center
• The University of California San Francisco
• The University of Mississippi

However, it's important to note that despite this progress, nine schools have never graduated a class with an equal or a higher number of female graduates than male graduates. Those schools are:

• The University of Utah
• The University of Tennessee
• Ohio State University
• The University of Nevada Las Vegas
• Oregon Health & Science University
• Creighton University
• Roseman University of Health Sciences
• The University of Detroit Mercy
• Midwestern University-AZ

You can find a complete list of gender diversity in all U.S. dental schools here. The University of Puerto Rico ranks first with a graduating class average of 66.8% female. The University of Utah comes in last at 66th place, with an average of 26.5% female graduates over the past 12 years (2010 to 2021).

Throughout history, women have faced obstacles in accessing education and acquiring the necessary skills to become dentists. However, the contributions of a few determined and brave women have paved the way for future female generations in the profession. Their hard work and dedication have increased gender equality in dentistry and empowered women to pursue careers in a field that was previously closed to them.

It Started with Lucy

In 1866, Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor became the first woman to graduate from a dental school, opening the door for other women to pursue dentistry.

Initially denied entry into the Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, Ohio, due to her gender, Dr. Samuel Wardle agreed to tutor Hobbs, and she opened her own practice in 1861. After Hobbs moved to Iowa, she became a member of the Iowa State Dental Society and served as a delegate of the American Dental Association (ADA) Convention of 1865. Hobbs's reputation and perseverance allowed her to be accepted as the first female at the Ohio College of Dentistry, where she earned her doctorate in dentistry in 1866.

Despite facing numerous obstacles and discrimination, she persevered and practiced dentistry for 50 years. Upon retirement, Hobbs devoted her time to advocating for women’s rights. Thanks to her achievements and advocacy for gender equality in dentistry, Hobbs’ dedication was instrumental in creating opportunities for future generations of women.

Ida Inspires Us

As the first Black female dentist in the U.S., Ida Gray Nelson Rollins graduated from the University of Michigan College of Dentistry in 1890. She was one of just three women in her graduating class.

Ida Gray Nelson Rollins was orphaned as a child and came to live with her aunt in Cincinnati, Ohio. During high school, she worked at the dental offices of William and Jonathan Taft, advocates for women in dentistry. Johnathan Taft was also the dean of the dental college at the University of Michigan and advocated for the admittance of women into the program.

As the first Black woman to earn a Doctoral of Dental Surgery in the U.S., Rollins was a trailblazer in dentistry. She continued her legacy by opening her own dental practice and advocating for women in the profession. Rollins made significant contributions to society by being part of Chicago's Professional Women’s Club and the Phyllis Wheatley Club, which maintained the only Black women's shelter in Chicago.

Today, the University of Michigan's School of Dentistry honors Rollins with a yearly diversity award.

Groundbreakers

Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor and Ida Gray Nelson Rollins are two women of several who have led the way for female dentists today. A few notable others include:

• Emeline Roberts Jones is recognized as the first female dentist. She learned from her husband, Dr. Daniel Jones, and continued his practice after his passing.
• Minnie Evangeline Jordan founded the practice of pediatric dentistry. Starting in education, she transitioned into dentistry, where, in 1898, she graduated from the University of California. She went on to start a clinic at the Orphan’s Home and developed a course called the “Care of Children’s Teeth,” founded the American Society of Dentistry for Children, and was the first to recognize the need for education and training in treating pediatric dental patients. (pictured in the header photo)
• Clara W. MacNaughton was active in the suffrage movement and became the vice president of the Michigan State Dental Society in 1889. A graduate of the University of Michigan in 1885, Dr. MacNaughton lobbied for women’s rights and equal education.
• Jeanne C. Sinkford graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry in 1958 and went on to earn her Ph.D. as the first Black female prosthodontist with a Ph.D. Dr. Sinkford is perhaps most recognized as the first female dean of (any) school, having been appointed dean at Howard University in 1975.
• Geraldine Morrow was the first female American Dental Association (ADA) president, serving from 1991-1992, and the first female trustee to the ADA in 1984.

Reflections of Hope

As we consider the situations these women undoubtedly faced, one can't help but admire their ability to persist, care for others, and excel beyond expectations. It took immense courage and dedication for them to achieve what they did. Reflecting on the stories of those who have fought for gender equality in the past allows us to draw inspiration from their struggles, ensuring women have a place in the halls of dental history for generations to come.

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Author: With over 14 years as a published journalist, editor, and writer, Genni Burkhart's career has spanned politics, healthcare, law, business finance, technology, and news. She resides in Northern Colorado, where she works as the Editor in Chief of the Incisor at DOCS Education.