Celebrating International Women's Day with Aspen Dental
Every year on International Women's Day, we honor the remarkable achievements of women across the globe, and Aspen Dental takes this opportunity to celebrate and empower women in the dental field. From breaking barriers to shaping the future of dentistry, women at Aspen Dental play an integral role in reimagining patient care and fostering growth in the industry.

Whether you're a dental student, a recent graduate, or an experienced professional, understanding the incredible contributions of women in dentistry can inspire you to reach new heights in your career. Today, we’re spotlighting the progress, achievements, and support systems available for female dental professionals, with guidance straight from Aspen Dental’s thriving community.

The Evolving Role of Women in Dentistry
Women in dentistry have been pioneers, shaping the profession for generations. While the early history of dentistry was male-dominated, trailblazing figures like Lucy Hobbs Taylor, the first woman to earn a dental degree in 1866, set the stage for a more inclusive future. Today, women make up nearly 37.7% of dentists in the U.S., and that percentage continues to grow each year.

The dental profession is uniquely suited to empower women by offering flexible career paths, opportunities to lead, and meaningful patient connections. At Aspen Dental, we’re committed to supporting this upward trend by creating an inclusive environment where women thrive.

A Snapshot of Women in Dentistry Today:

Over 50% of dental school students are women, signaling a bright future for gender parity in the field.
Women are actively taking on leadership roles, with many excelling as practice owners, educators, researchers, and mentors.

Aspen Dental recognizes the importance of these trends and continues to invest in empowering women to break barriers and achieve success.

Celebrating Achievement at Aspen Dental
Aspen Dental is proud to be a workplace where women thrive. Our network is filled with inspiring female professionals who lead with expertise and compassion, redefining what it means to be a successful dentist.

Meet Inspiring Women at Aspen Dental:

Dr. Waseem began her career inspired by her own smile transformation. Her passion for connecting with patients has fueled an incredibly rewarding career that even involves mentoring her two sisters, who are also dentists. Through Aspen Dental's support, she receives hands-on training and mentorship that is helping her excel both personally and professionally.
Dr. Katie Heald, who now owns seven successful practices, began her career after a dental experience as a teenager changed her life. Despite facing challenges as a woman in healthcare, such as patients doubting her ability to perform procedures, she has overcome them through determination, constantly expanding her skill set and letting her results speak for themselves.

At Aspen Dental, we celebrate these incredible contributions through continuous support, mentoring, and opportunities to help women lead and succeed.

Initiatives at Aspen Dental

Mentorship Programs – Women at Aspen Dental have access to mentors who offer guidance and support to enhance clinical and leadership skills, creating a foundation for success.
Opportunities for Growth – From associate roles to practice ownership, Aspen Dental provides clear pathways for career advancement.
Community Recognition – We honor and celebrate the accomplishments of female professionals, like International Women’s Day events that recognize the contributions of women in all operational roles.

Female Voices of Aspen Dental
The stories of the women at Aspen Dental are both inspiring and empowering. They highlight the challenges, triumphs, and growth of women in the dental field.

Dr. Waseem shares how Aspen Dental supported her growth: "I had mentors from day one who guided me clinically and personally. The access to hands-on training alongside experienced dentists gave me the tools to evolve and enhance my skills. Aspen Dental’s support has been transformative in my career."

Dr. Katie Heald reflects on overcoming challenges as a female dentist and empowering others along the way: "Patients often doubt my expertise at first, but I love proving them wrong with exceptional care. It just adds fuel to my fire. Beyond that, mentoring other women in dentistry has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career."

Jocelyn Baker, an operations manager, shares what International Women’s Day means to her: "It’s a day to reflect on my growth as a woman in dentistry and celebrate the lovely, hardworking women on my team. I take pride in encouraging them every step of the way."

These stories remind us of the resilience and brilliance women bring to dentistry—qualities Aspen Dental is proud to champion every day.

Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Dentistry
Aspen Dental’s commitment to fostering the next generation of female dentists extends beyond the workplace. We believe in opening doors for aspiring professionals and providing resources to help them thrive.

Opportunities for Future Dentists:

Mentorship Programs – We pair aspiring dentists with seasoned professionals to guide them through their early careers.
Career Development – With access to advanced training and leadership opportunities, young women in dentistry can confidently grow and explore their full potential.
Inclusive Workplace Culture – Aspen Dental fosters a supportive environment, enabling women to prioritize both their professional goals and personal aspirations.

Advice for Aspiring Female Dentists:
“Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to be bold,” says Dr. Waseem. “There will be moments of self-doubt, but always remember that you are capable of achieving great things. Seek mentors and never hesitate to ask for support.”

Aspen Dental is passionate about helping young women carve their paths in dentistry, ensuring they, too, can inspire the next generation.

Building a Legacy Together
Aspen Dental is proud to be a community where women lead, inspire, and thrive. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions women make to the dental profession and reaffirm our commitment to their growth and success. Together, we can create an industry where women are not only represented but are empowered to lead.

If you’re a woman in dentistry looking for a workplace that values your contributions and supports your career growth, explore opportunities with Aspen Dental today. Join us in creating a brighter future for the profession.

To all the women in dentistry, we celebrate your passion, perseverance, and impact every day. Keep sharing your stories—they’re inspiring the world.