Every March during Women’s History Month, I take time to reflect on all the amazing women in my life: women who challenged me, empowered me, and motivated me. I would not be who I am today without them. This month I encourage you to think about the women who influenced your life, directly and indirectly.
When I think about women that should be celebrated during Women’s History Month, some of the first that come to mind are the female dentists and orthodontists at Rock Dental Brands. We have women on our team from a family of dental professionals, and others that are among the first in their family to pursue higher education. Some knew they wanted to be dentists at 10 years old, while others found dentistry after a career in a different field. One of our providers even moved across the world and received a second dental degree to pursue her dream of practicing dentistry in America. Every woman on our team inspires me daily in different ways. Their drive, professionalism, and passions are unmatched. Our female providers each overcame different obstacles to reach where they are today. One of those obstacles is lack of representation.
In STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) industries, women are often overlooked. In 2019, women accounted for just 27% of employees in STEM industries, nearly double the number from 2010. In 1980, only 16% percent of dental students were women, up from 1% in 1968. Today, women make up over 40% of dental students. We know that change is possible. I encourage young women to take the advanced class they are considering, pursue that intimidating internship, or continue their STEM education with confidence. We continue to see the positive impact women can make on STEM industries.
Another important woman for the dental industry to highlight this month is Emeline Roberts Jones, the first practicing female dentist. When she was 18 years old, Emeline married Dr. Daniel Jones in 1854. Emeline displayed an interest in her new husband’s profession, but he told her she was not suited for dentistry due to her “frail and clumsy fingers”. She refused to take no for an answer and secretly filled and extracted several hundred teeth in the following years. After seeing her work, her husband finally agreed she could practice in his office and she developed a reputation as a skilled dentist. Emeline took over the practice when her husband passed away in 1864 and she maintained a successful practice until her retirement in 1915.
Emeline Roberts Jones reminds me of many women I work alongside at Rock Dental Brands. I see the positive influence of women on our staff in every aspect of the company. Women make up over 85% of our 500+ person staff including 17 doctors, 36 hygienists, 212 assistants, four executives, and 236 support center employees. Six women on our team are also Veterans and we are forever thankful for their service to our country.
Diversity is essential at Rock Dental Brands, which is why we formed our Diversity Council in early 2020. In addition to diversity in gender, we are proud of the diversity in race and generation we have represented on our team. We are committed to continued growth and diversity in the dental industry.
I hope Women’s History Month will inspire you to try something new this month. Women are capable of anything. Glass ceilings are being shattered by women achieving new heights daily. You could be the next woman to start a company, help someone in need, find a cure, or change the world. Here’s to you!