“Our earnest prayer shall be that when he is ‘filling his last cavity,’ it may be written on his tombstone, ‘Here lies the last obstructionist to woman dentists.’”

— Dr. Jennie Kollock Hilton, first female graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and advocate for women in the field (Dental Nachos)

Today is August 26th, and it's National Women’s Equality Day! It is a day and time to honor the courage of women who challenged norms, opened new doors, and continue to shape dentistry today.

Pioneers Who Changed Dentistry

In 1855, Emeline Roberts Jones quietly stepped into her husband’s dental practice, initially limited to extracting teeth. At the time, women were considered “too delicate” for dentistry. Emeline disproved this bias with her skill and dedication, ultimately becoming the first woman to practice dentistry in the United States.

A little over a decade later, Lucy Hobbs Taylor faced repeated rejections from dental schools, denied admission solely because she was a woman. Reflecting on those days, she said: “People were amazed when they learned that a young girl had so far forgotten her womanhood as to want to study dentistry.” (People’s World) Lucy persisted, studying privately until she was finally admitted and, in 1866, became the first American woman to earn a DDS degree.

In 1869, Robert Tanner Freeman achieved another milestone as the first African American to graduate from dental school at Harvard. His story reinforced the principle that dentistry could—and should—be open to all talented individuals, regardless of gender or race.

These pioneers did more than practice dentistry. They redefined society’s expectations and created new opportunities for future generations of dental professionals.

At Princess Dental Staffing, we continue in this spirit—helping today’s professionals access opportunities, overcome barriers, and shape the future of dentistry.

Women in Dentistry Today

Today, women represent over 56% of first-year dental students and nearly 95% of dental hygienists and assistants. Women’s presence in dentistry is no longer an exception—it is the norm.

Yet, challenges remain. Women dentists still earn only about 75–80% of what male dentists earn, and their representation in ownership and leadership roles continues to lag behind their male counterparts.

By the Numbers: Women in Dentistry

Key Milestones and Trends

• 1855: Emeline Roberts Jones begins practice
• 1866: Lucy Hobbs Taylor earns the first DDS as an American woman
• 1869: Robert Tanner Freeman graduates as the first African American dentist
• 56% of first-year dental students today are women
• 95% of hygienists and assistants are women (Delta Dental)
• Women dentists earn 75–80% of their male counterparts’ income
• Women represent about 32% of practicing dentists overall, but nearly 60% of dentists under age 44 (Delta Dental)

This data demonstrates the remarkable progress of women in dentistry, while also underscoring the work that remains to be done.

Modern Spotlights

The legacy of these trailblazers continues. In 1991, Dr. Geraldine Morrow became the first female president of the American Dental Association, breaking barriers at the highest level of the profession.

Today, female leaders across the field continue to inspire. As Dr. Rhona Eskander observed, “People put so much trust in me when they come to the clinic—and that means the world to me.” Her words reflect how empathy, trust, and dedication remain central to dentistry’s future.

How Princess Dental Staffing Supports Women

At Princess Dental Staffing, we are committed to supporting women in dentistry by promoting:

• Flexibility: Giving dental professionals the ability to choose shifts and roles that fit their lifestyles.
• Opportunities: Highlighting dental talent to practices seeking skilled personnel.
• Growth and leadership: Simplifying staffing so women can focus on building their careers and advancing the profession.

One hygienist shared: “Princess gave me the flexibility to pick up shifts while I finished school. I love choosing jobs that fit my schedule.” Stories like this highlight the platform’s role in empowering women professionals.

Looking Ahead

National Women’s Equality Day is both a commemoration and a call to action. Dentistry is stronger today because of pioneering women, and it will continue to thrive as more women step into leadership, open practices, and guide the profession forward.

FAQs

Who was the first woman dentist in the U.S.?
Emeline Roberts Jones, who began practicing in 1855.

Who was the first American woman to earn a DDS degree?
Lucy Hobbs Taylor, who graduated in 1866.

Who was the first African American dentist?
Robert Tanner Freeman, who graduated from Harvard in 1869.

What percentage of dentists are women today?
About 32% overall, but nearly 60% among dentists under age 44.

Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

National Women’s Equality Day is more than a date on the calendar—it is a reminder of the determination and vision that have shaped the dental profession. From pioneers like Emeline Roberts Jones, Lucy Hobbs Taylor, and Robert Tanner Freeman to today’s leaders across practices, clinics, and associations, dentistry has advanced through persistence and progress.

Every day, we at Princess Dental Staffing honor the history while working to expand opportunities and promote equality. By linking professionals with flexible jobs, promoting diverse practices, and encouraging women to lead, we are happy to carry on the legacy of those who came before us—and to help shape the future of dentistry.

References

Historical Sources & Quotes

1. American Dental Association – Women in Dentistry: Breaking Barriers
2. Kansas Historical Society – Lucy Hobbs Taylor
3. People’s World – Lucy Hobbs Taylor, First American Woman Dentist
4. Harvard School of Dental Medicine – Robert Tanner Freeman: First African American Dentist
5. Dental Nachos – Quote by Dr. Jennie Kollock Hilton

Modern Sources & Statistics

6. American Dental Association (ADA) News – Among first-year dental students, women see highest rate of enrollment (2022)
7. JADA – Gender earnings differences among dentists (2017)
8. Delta Dental – Women in Dentistry (2021)
9. Vanity Fair – Interview with Dr. Rhona Eskander (2021)

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