Michael Reddy, DMD, DMScThe names of Elizabeth Blackwell, Marie Curie and Florence Nightingale come to mind when most people think of women pioneers who have contributed to advancing health. Too often, we overlook women in oral health who have made advancements to science, patient care, dental education and community health.
There have been several women who have inspired and influenced me over the years. Some of them, like the late Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, helped shape my career and life as a teacher, collaborator, colleague and close friend. She climbed the leadership ladder at top dental schools, including serving as dean at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and was one of the first voices to draw attention to the strong connections between oral health and overall wellness. As a woman leader in oral health, she valued embracing diversity, including her own, in a field made up of mostly white men.
I need not look further than our school’s alumni to see more exemplary contributions by women dentists. Dr. Pamela Alston, a 1982 graduate of the Doctor of Dental Surgery program (DDS) at UCSF, served as the 2021 president of the National Dental Association, and dedicated her career to giving back to the community as the former director of the Eastmont Wellness Center in Oakland. Dr. LaJuan Hall, DDS ‘94, is leading our profession as vice chair on the board of directors for the American College of Dentists, in addition to her work as a health care executive, and her extensive volunteer service at UCSF and professional organizations. These women inspire and mentor others to make an impact in our profession, much like Marjorie did for me.
Black Women Face Unique Challenges
In 2021, a trio of dentistry pioneers – Drs. Shelia S. Price, Jeanne C. Sinkford and Marilyn P. Woolfolk - published the book “Undaunted Trailblazers: Minority Women Leaders for Oral Health.” The book is a collective account of 31 women of color, including the three authors, who spent their lives contributing to advancements in oral health.
Dr. Sinkford was the first female dean of a U.S. dental school when she became dean at the Howard University College of Dentistry in 1975. Dr. Woolfolk was a dental student, researcher, professor and administrator during her 42-year career at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Dr. Price is a professor and associate dean for admissions, recruitment and access at the West Virginia University School of Dentistry.
The stories of Drs. Price, Sinkford and Woolfolk – and the other women featured in the book – demonstrate the unique set of challenges created by the intersection of gender and race. These women rose above discrimination and prejudices by demonstrating good communication, active listening, effective collaboration and other interpersonal skills. They networked in their white, male-dominated profession and found supporters among their peers who advocated for their advancement. Today they continue the effort of building relationships and inspiring others through their actions big and small – like writing their book.
Supporting Future Women Leaders
At UCSF School of Dentistry, women have made up most of our incoming DDS students for the past six years. Continuing to support women dentists, especially those of color, will lead to a diverse representation of dentists in our communities, resulting in better patient care, as well as diversity of thought and experience to further advance health and science.
Representation is only one aspect, however. As Drs. Price, Sinkford and Woolfolk show in their book, mentorship and networking contribute to a sense of welcome and belonging within a community and are vital to helping women thrive. Sometimes, a little encouragement and support can make a huge impact. We also need to recognize the role sponsorship plays in helping women advance. Being intentional about connecting them with people in positions of power who can advocate for their advancement is critical.
As we mark International Women’s Day tomorrow, I encourage you to recognize the women leaders in health, science and academia – some lauded and others overlooked – and reflect on their paths to success. They deserve to be celebrated on this day and every day.
Michael S. Reddy, DMD, DMSc
Dean, UCSF School of Dentistry
Associate Vice Chancellor, Oral Health Affairs
