Women in dentistry

There is a long history of women in dentistry. Women are depicted as assistant dentists in the Middle Ages. Prior to the 19th century, dentistry was largely not yet a clearly defined and regulated profession with formal educational requirements. Individual female dentists are known from the 18th century. When the profession was regulated in the 19th century, it took a while before women achieved the formal education and permission to engage in dentistry.

Timeline

16th century

16th century: In a 1523 copper engraving by Lucas Van Leyden, an itinerant tooth drawer can be seen, with a woman standing behind the patient. While some interpreted the woman as a dental assistant, the person behind the patient is picking his pocket.

18th century

In the 18th century dentistry was not yet a regulated and clearly defined profession, and could be performed by people of all professions, such as barbers and beauticians. The informality of the profession, where no formal education (unavailable to women) was not yet required, meant that women dentists did exist during the 18th century.

Early 18th century: A Mademoiselle De Reze published in 1719 a short treatise on elixirs for toothache entitled Dissertation Apologetique.