Women in dentistry from ACROSS the US - unite!

My class of 2007 at New York University College of Dentistry was comprised of over 325 students, 100+ or more that were already dentists in their respective countries but wanted to come to the US to practice dentistry and start their own lives. Being so large of a class it felt that there were at least 50% men, and 50% women but I don't know if it was confirmed. New York City, Manhattan itself, is so rich in diversity, culture, food, women's rights- everything...and our class was no exception.  Now, I am in California, the bay area of California, and here again I am immersed in cultural diversity, and a female dentist or specialist is not uncommon. That is not however the case all over the United States, something that I didn't really consider since I was not in the Midwest.

But - I was reading an article by the staff at Dr.Bicuspid.com called "Women comprise 50% of new dental class at Indiana University" that seems to present further and confirm this trend of diversity and females entering the dental field is spreading ACROSS the nation. And how wonderful is that!?!?  You can read the article here: http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspx?sec=nws&sub=rad&pag=dis&ItemID=308424&wf=949

The article states that for the first time in the 132-year history of the Indiana University School of Dentistry, the newest dental class is composed of an EQUAL number of men and women: 52 men and 52 women for a total of 104 students. The FIRST time in 132 YEARS!! What I found fascinating was that they stated that between 1879 and 1974 at Indiana University (and the predecessor Indiana Dental College) 5000 men earned their dental degree while only 56 women did (1974 isn't that long ago!!!)

So while their class of 104 is more than 2/3rds less than my dental class of over 325, I want to just say how glad I am to have these career opportunities here in 2011. As ladies we are doing so well – not only in this profession, but across the scope of careers. Seeing this article made me reflect and appreciate how far we've come and what other women before us fought for to allow us to have these opportunities. And may it continue!!!!

GO LADIES !!!!

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