Nationwide, only 34 percent of licensed dentists are women, according to KIVI-TV.
“There is a difference in the way that we are viewed or are brought to the table on policies,” said Rosa Pothier, DMD. “Sometimes it may just be, ‘Oh I’ve never had a female dentist before,’ and sometimes that can come with a lot of positivity, and sometimes that can come with a lot of questioning and uncertainty.”
There has been a slight increase in the number of female dentists, and it’s expected to continue growing, with the number of women in dental school rising over the last few years.
“Across the U.S. in dental schools, women are making up at least 50 percent now of the classes,” said Jill Shelton Wagers, DMD. “So, we’re going to see different practice models and we’re going to really see a change in more women coming in and making an impression.”
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