title: Women in Prosthodontics: A Brief Look at Pioneers, Leaders, and Inspirers.
abstract: There are several women pioneers in prosthodontics, and each deserves recognition and admiration for all she has achieved in helping bridge the gender gap in dentistry. Women have come a long way from being first depicted as a thieving woman assistant in early 1523 to becoming award-winning, Board-certified clinicians, program directors, department chairs, and deans of dental schools. However, current female resident membership in the American College of Prosthodontists is less than 40%. Women in leadership roles are still scarce, and advancement is still needed. This article provides a brief summary of the history of prosthodontics, highlighting prominent women prosthodontists and their stories, while providing inspiration for future prosthodontists, men as well as women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Fatemeh S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Afshari
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Judy Chia-Chun
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Yuan
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Cortino
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sukotjo
mesh_terms: D003816:Dentists, Women / Q000266:history*; D005260:Female; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D011476:Prosthodontics / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: Women; history; prosthodontics; prosthodontists