Women in Dental Leadership
According to the ADA, as of 2021, among the more than 200,000 dentists in the U.S. only 35.9% are female. Although we see this number continue to rise in accordance with the 1:1 male to female dental student ratio over the last decade, female dentists’ numbers in leadership roles are not congruent with expectations of equal opportunity and promotion of diversity and inclusion. There still exists an underrepresentation of women serving as deans (5:1 male to female ratio), presidents of specialty organizations, speakers at scientific meetings, and chief editors of scientific journals.
At the UIC College of Dentistry, it is important to highlight the strides women are making as professionals in the male dominated dental field, serving as ultimate role models for future generations, and open the conversation on the navigation of the journey as a female dental professional. We are also proud that our student body makeup has continued to encompass more females exponentially since 2018.
Below you can watch an interview between our first female Interim Dean, Dr. Susan Rowan who also attended the College of Dentistry (COD) for dental school. She is interviewed by Dr. Hiba Diab, a COD alumna, instructor at the COD, and owner of Smile More Dental.