Women in Dentistry: Women Are Dentistry’s Next Majority. One Company Saw It Coming

The dental profession is nearing a demographic tipping point, with women now representing more than 54% of dental school entrants and projected to make up half of the workforce by 2040. This shift is fundamentally altering how clinical products are evaluated and how workflows are designed within the industry. Companies like Dentsply Sirona are responding by integrating female perspectives into every stage of the innovation and leadership pipeline to ensure the sector remains aligned with its evolving practitioner base.

The dental industry is witnessing a significant demographic transformation as women become the new majority of entrants into the field. Currently, women account for over 54% of dental school students in the United States, and the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute projects that the total workforce will reach a 50% female share by 2040. This evolution is driving a change in how dental manufacturers approach the market, as female practitioners increasingly influence clinical practice, practice ownership, and education. Mark Bezjak, group vice president of North American RCO at Dentsply Sirona, noted that as the profession changes, product development must follow suit to include all decision-makers in the design process.

To better align with these shifting demographics, Dentsply Sirona has prioritized female input in its innovation cycle through its Voice of Customer panel in the U.S. This panel, which includes dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists, is now predominantly female and provides direct feedback during the development of new products. By diversifying the voices involved in the feedback loop, the company aims to challenge traditional assumptions earlier in the process and improve clinical outcomes. This strategy ensures that the questions being asked during the design phase reflect the diverse needs of the modern dental office, ultimately leading to more effective tools and technologies.

Beyond product innovation, the company is investing in leadership and visibility through initiatives like the FirstTo50 Women’s Speaker Development Program. Since 2020, this program has built a global network of over 100 clinicians, such as practice owner Dr. Sara Mahmood, who are equipped to lead professional dialogues at the highest levels. Other efforts include the She’s Prime initiative in Latin America, which focuses on technical and leadership training, and a founding partnership with Women in DSO. Dr. Aman Kaur, founder and CEO of Women in DSO, emphasized that these partnerships are essential for creating conditions where women can lead and contribute meaningfully, moving the profession forward through genuine engagement rather than mere optics.