Women in Dentistry: Breaking Barriers & Shaping the Future

Celebrating Women in Dentistry on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is a global initiative that recognizes women’s achievements, raises awareness of gender inequalities, and promotes progress toward a more inclusive society. As we celebrate the incredible women in our lives and our team today, we want to take a moment to reflect on the evolving role of women in dentistry and the journey that has brought us here.

Women have always been a vital part of society, yet historically, they were excluded from financial, professional, and socio-political matters. In many parts of the world, gender discrimination still persists. However, centuries of advocacy, legal reforms, and cultural shifts have empowered women to take their rightful place in the workforce, including the dental profession. Today, women are not only a growing presence in dentistry but also influential leaders, educators, and innovators in the field.

In this blog, we highlight the incredible journey of women in UK dentistry – from trailblazing pioneers who shattered barriers to today’s professionals transforming the future of oral healthcare.

A Look at History: Pioneering Women in UK Dentistry

For much of history, women were once discouraged – or even prohibited – from pursuing careers in dentistry. However, a few trailblazers refused to accept those limitations and challenged societal norms setting the stage for future generations and inspiring countless female professionals to follow in their footsteps.

The journey of women in UK dentistry began with Lilian Lindsay (1871-1960) and Minnie Evangeline Jordan (1865 – 1952).

Lilian Lindsay in 1895, became the first woman in the UK to qualify as a dentist. Despite initial rejections from dental schools due to her gender, she persevered, eventually qualifying and later becoming the first female president of the British Dental Association (BDA) in 1946 (Firoozmand, 2024). Her determination set a precedent for women in the profession.

Minnie Evangeline Jordon, originally not from the UK, her work and influence reached British dentistry leaving a significant mark. Jordan was a pioneer in pediatric dentistry, emphasizing preventive care – a concept that gained traction in the UK and worldwide. In 1924, she published the first English-language book on pediatric dentistry, helping to shape modern practices (Loevy, 2006).

Women in Modern Dentistry: Progress and Achievements

While women are still underrepresented in certain areas of dentistry, their presence in the profession has grown significantly in recent years.

Between 2013 and 2021, the number of women entering the dental profession in the UK saw a significant rise. During this period, the number of registered male dentists declined by 289, while female registrations increased by 3,596. Women now outnumber men in delivering NHS dental care, with 12,933 female dentists providing services compared to 11,218 male counterparts. Research indicates that 71% of female dentists are under the age of 44, compared to 55% of male dentists, suggesting that this upward trend is set to continue (Close, 2024).

The dental industry is also adapting to the needs of female professionals by offering more flexible working hours and clinic schedules. This shift has contributed to a more balanced gender representation, allowing women to better manage both their careers and personal responsibilities, including motherhood. However, despite these advancements, challenges remain – most notably, the gender pay gap. Studies show that women in dentistry continue to earn less than their male counterparts, even in similar roles. Experts agree that while progress has been made, further efforts are needed to achieve true pay equity in the profession.

Empowering Women in Dentistry

Nowadays there are a growing number of professional networks, such as Women Dentists Network and The Female Dentist, whose aim is to support and encourage women in dentistry. These organizations work to create a fair and inclusive professional environment, helping female dentists access mentorship, career development, and leadership opportunities across the UK.

At Vermilion, we are incredibly proud of our diverse team, which includes outstanding female dental specialists, clinicians, and nurses. Women make up eight out of nineteen dentists in our practices, along with many more talented professionals across our administrative and dental nursing teams. Our commitment is not only to exceptional dentistry but also to fostering an equitable, supportive, and gender-inclusive workplace. We believe in a future where dentistry is more inclusive, balanced, and free from gender bias.

If you are an aspiring dentist looking for guidance, mentorship, or career opportunities, we are here to help! Come see us in our clinics located in Kelso and Edinburgh, to meet our team and explore shadowing opportunities and educational CPD events. For enquiries, reach out to us at events@vermilion.co.uk.

Women have made extraordinary strides in dentistry, from breaking historical barriers to becoming leaders in the field. While challenges such as gender pay disparities still exist, the future of dentistry is becoming more inclusive and diverse.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of female dental professionals, recognise the progress made, and continue advocating for a more equitable profession.

💜 Happy International Women’s Day to all women! 💜