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In 1977, I received a DMD from the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Dental Medicine and continued my formal education to include a Certificate of Prosthodontics and a Master’s Degree. There were only 8 women in my class of 120, and the percentage of females in Prosthodontics was very small.
While in Pittsburgh, I helped to organize a small chapter of AAWD, but due to the small number of female dentists, there was not much activity. In 1980, I moved to Chicago Illinois where I established a practice, which emphasizes the reconstruction of patients with a multidisciplinary approach and taught Comprehensive Dentistry at the University Of Illinois School Of Dentistry.
I joined the AAWD in Chicago, but again, there were very few women practicing and after a few years I let my membership lapse.

After leaving the University of Illinois, I earned a certificate in Geriatric Dentistry in 1995 while on the faculty of Northwestern, working with a fine female Prosthodontist, Dr. LaDeanne Fattore. I got caught up in various dental organizations serving on numerous committees, but mostly these were
Organizations relating to the specialty of Prosthodontics or Dental Implants.

I was lecturing widely, especially on the subject of osteoporosis, and over the years noticed the number of female dentists increasing in my audiences. I have been an advocate for women’s health issues and was filmed with Debra Norville for a program on women’s oral health.

Seeing more women dentists in organized dentistry, I chose to take a new look at the AAWD, and was most pleased to see what they were doing, especially with the “Smiles for Success” program. I decided to rejoin the organization.

When Smiles for Success contacted me, I was happy to donate my services to help Sylvia, a 25-year-old woman who was mugged and lost 3 anterior teeth. Her dental health was otherwise quite good. I fabricated an upper partial which allowed her to feel confident and pretty again.

Working with Sylvia has been an uplifting and pleasant experience.

The AAWD has allowed Sylvia a new lease on life. I am very happy to have rejoined the organization and plan on continuing working with the “Smiles for Success” program. I would encourage other female dentists to do so. I have also enjoyed working with the YMCA Alliance and have treated three patients through their program.