03/20/2026
March is Women's History Month, so what better time than to appreciate the contributions of 5 pioneering women in the field of dentistry?
1️⃣ Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor - Dr. Taylor was the first woman to hear a dental degree in 1866. Today, more than 50% of dental school graduates are female, following in Dr. Taylor's inspirational footsteps.
2️⃣ Dr. Grace Rogers Spaulding - one of three founders of the American Academy of Periodontology in 1914. She was one of the first to speak of the importance of supporting the gums and teeth as a means of prevention rather than just fixing problems after they happened.
3️⃣ Dr. Ida Gray - the first African American dentist. Dr. Gray was also heavily involved in civil rights, regularly seeing both black and white patients during segregation.
4️⃣ Dr. Leonie von Meusebach–Zesch - the first paid dentist in the United States Army. Dr. von Meusebach–Zesch earned her DDS at age 19 and had quite the career. She provided free dentistry to children around the US, traveled to remote areas to treat patients, provided dental care to unemployed patients during the Great Depression, AND was the first paid dentist in the Army.
5️⃣ Dr. Geraldine Morrow - the first female president of the American Dental Academy. Dr. Morrow held this position from 1991-1992 and was also the first female trustee of the ADA in 1984.
Thanks to these women, and many others, for all of the work they have done to advance modern dentistry.
