The future—and present—of women in dentistry has never been brighter. But we all must work hard to consolidate our gains and lay the foundation for further success to come.

MOST PEOPLE don’t know the name Elizabeth Cascaden, but they should. Nineteen years ago, she started the annual Women in Dentistry expo, a popular regional event in Michigan. It might not seem like a long time ago, but in the 2000s, educational and networking events bringing together women from across all facets of dentistry were few and far between.

I partnered with Liz from the beginning, and we in turn brought in the Lucy Hobbs Project to help build our efforts after Benco Dental and Incisal Edge established it in 2013. Liz passed away last summer, but the Women in Dentistry expo continues to draw hundreds of attendees. I hosted our most recent event in October.

Although the number of female dentists is beginning to eclipse that of males, our work isn’t done. In executive positions throughout dentistry, women are still outnumbered by men. There’s a dire shortage of hygienists and assistants nationwide—positions that men mostly aren’t stepping up to fill. And while women in dentistry are a more formidable force than ever, we’re still catching up in terms of cumulative influence.

That’s why I’m especially pleased to introduce our annual Lucy Hobbs Awards issue of Incisal Edge. This year, starting on page 22, we honor brave, brilliant women worldwide. Take Michelle Collier, whose Ohio nonprofit is easing that state’s access-to-care burden. Or Dr. Emmanuelle Zennie, one of the few dentists in strife-ridden Haiti, who defiantly stands her ground to provide care while so many others are fleeing.

As a CDA and past president of the Michigan Dental Assistants Association, I’m particularly interested in former Wall Street Journal reporter Jerry Markon’s deep dive on the shortage of dental assistants plaguing practices nationwide.
We also offer a backstage look at how Medit develops its advanced scanner tech and a chat with Angela Weber, president and concept creator of the disruptive orthodontic franchise brand Smilebliss.

After more than 30 years in dentistry, I can see clearly that women are changing the profession faster than ever. All three CHCs with which I currently volunteer have female leadership. Female dentists offer more and deeper insights into our unique oral health needs, especially during life stages such as pregnancy and menopause. More female business executives, influencers and leaders means more advocacy for equality, mentoring and flexible work arrangements. Dental equipment manufacturers have even jumped onboard with products featuring ergonomic designs especially for female dentists.

So if you’re amazing—and I bet you are—don’t keep it to yourself. Share your thought leadership as a speaker or on social media, join a board of directors, volunteer in your community—and by all means be a mentor to anyone you can. The future of women in dentistry is blindingly bright, but it depends on all of us to keep powering the momentum.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Threasa Liddell, a 23-year Benco Dental Sales Representative and 2023 Lucy Hobbs Awards honoree, is standing in for founders Chuck Cohen and Rick Cohen in this special Lucy Hobbs Awards issue of Incisal Edge.