RITA CAMMARATA, DDS

First woman ADA 15th District Trustee, 2023-2027

How do you think the landscape of dentistry has evolved for women over the years? I do believe the landscape has changed over the years, I think now women expect to be in roles of leadership and aren't waiting to be allowed into those roles.  Second, I think the younger generation of men and women were brought up with working moms, who were dentists, attorneys, managers or head of their households and this has normalized the expectation of having women in leadership roles.  

As we celebrate National Women in History Month, what message would you like to share with fellow women dentists and future generations entering the profession? Keep making history, although as women we expect to be in those leadership roles we are still not as represented as we should be.  I'm reminded of a quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception."

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue leadership roles? Empower yourself, don't take a backseat and don't be afraid to speak up, say "I want that position or role" or "consider me"; you're not being pushy, or however some might describe you, there is nothing wrong with being your own advocate.  Also, find a "sponsor", that person who has your back when you are not in the room, who will speak up on your behalf and remind others of what your potential can be.

Are there any female figures in dental history who have inspired or influenced your career? I'll keep history localized to Texas and there are several women that I met as a young dentist:  Dr. Susana Paoloski- Periodontist and first female GHDS President; Dr Peggy O'Neil-General Dentist and Vice Dean, the first female to hold such a position at UTSD Houston, and Clinical Dean at UTSD Houston; Dr Pat Blanton-Periodontist and first female TDA President and first female Interim Dean of MUSC, and Dr Diana Vasquez-Pediatric Dentist and the first female dentist I met in my career.  Each of these women were powerhouses in their specialties.  Each of them intelligent, strong leaders that came up in a time when they were one of very few numbers of women in their dental school classes or in the profession.  I watched as they led and I tried to emulate their character, which was stoic with a great deal of resolve, but humble, classic and professional all at the same time.  Dr Paoloski tells the story of the time she wasn't allowed to vote at a local dental meeting because the female secretary thought she was a spouse since she was the only women in the room, she informed her otherwise very quickly and cast her vote. 

CARMEN SMITH, DDS

First woman Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas Dental Association, 2022 – present

Can you share a bit about your journey into dentistry and any challenges you faced as a woman in the field?  My journey into dentistry began in the 11^th grade when I declared to my parents and friends that I wanted to be a dentist or a medical doctor.  While attending college, I made the decision to follow the dentistry pathway because I felt that it would provide three things 1) a comfortable living; 2) the ability to own a business; and 3) the satisfaction of providing a service for others that focused on healthy living. 

How do you think the landscape of dentistry has evolved for women over the years? The landscape of women in dentistry has significantly changed over the years. The women entering dental school are equaling, and sometimes surpassing that of their male counterparts. Women are owning more practices. Women are also taking on more leadership roles in organized dentistry on the local, state, and national levels.

As we celebrate National Women in History Month, what message would you like to share with fellow women dentists and future generations entering the profession? It’s always a great time to be a woman, and now is no different. We have more knowledge and resources than ever before and the sky is the limit to what we can do, if we choose to. I think it’s important to recognize that even though we have an abundance of opportunities, its equally important to make intentional decisions about what works for you and your life, and not be swayed by the opinions of others.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue leadership roles? To young women who aspire to be leaders, first define why you want to be a leader and what that looks like for you. Understand your strengths and weakness and how both will affect your leadership capacity. Seek a mentor whose style is similar to your own and place yourself in environments that cultivate and foster leadership development.

Are there any female figures in dental history who have inspired or influenced your career? There are many women in dentistry that I have deep admiration for.  I am inspired by their ability to lead practices, teach aspiring dental students, lecture nationally and internationally, and serve as the chief executive officers of local, state, and national organizations. I am also inspired by the young associate who has made it her mission to provide quality dentistry to her patients and not compromising her integrity in the process.

JACQUELINE PLEMONS, DDS

First woman Editor of the Texas Dental Journal, 2022 - present

Can you share a bit about your journey into dentistry and any challenges you faced as a woman in the field?
I’ve wanted to be a dentist since I was 7 years old when a very kind dentist helped my mother when she was in pain and couldn’t afford to pay. Caring for people who can’t access care by themselves has really been a privilege to me over the years. Challenges ranged from patients not always being thrilled when being seen by a “female” dentist to the relative lack of female voices in leadership positions.

PAT BLANTON, DDS

First woman President of the Texas Dental Association, 2003-2004
First Female  Dean of MUSC