What makes a dentist great? Is it the amount of post-graduate training? Is it the use of certain techniques, like sedation or a particular whitening treatment? Is it a warm chairside manner? We all have preferences when it comes to choosing a dentist, from location to treatment methods, but does the gender of your dentist make a difference? Some people feel it does. For a long time, the majority of dentists were men, but over the last few decades the number of female dentists has grown. At Ft. Worth Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we feel that we have one of the country’s top female dentists in Dr. Nikki Green.
If you would like to make an appointment with Dr. Green, call us today at (817) 737-6601 and a member of our caring staff will assist you.
Some Numbers Regarding Women in Dentistry
A study done in 2004 showed that at the time female dentists made up less than 20 percent of all practicing dental professionals. At that time, the American Dental Association (ADA) projected that by the year 2020, about 28 percent of dentists would be females. Compare that to medical doctors, who already had a make up consisting of over 30 percent women then, and you can see a disparity in the numbers. The numbers continue to grow however, with more and more women choosing the profession due to its flexible hours, conducive to raising a family, and its competitive salary. Many join the profession because, more than medical doctors, they can forge a relationship with their patients, because they see them every six months. That’s more than some of us see our parents!
At the time of the study, research showed extensive growth in the number of women enrolled in dental school. In 1970, only one percent of all dental school students were female. By 2004, that number had grown to 44 percent. One reason for this has to do with the number of available candidates. For every 100 men who earned a bachelor’s degree, women earned 33 more. About one third of these women had previous occupations before dental school, compared to about 15 percent of men, and 40 percent of them were in dental-related jobs. The number of females in dentistry continues to grow. In fact, the ADA has had four female presidents, beginning with Geraldine T. Morrow in 1991. The current president of the ADA, Dr. Carol Gomez Summerhays, is the fourth woman president of the organization.
If you would like to make an appointment with Dr. Green, call us today at (817) 737-6601 and a member of our caring staff will assist you.
Why Choose a Female Dentist?
People have several different reasons for seeking out a female dentist. For some, it’s a matter of hand size. Women typically have smaller hands, making it less uncomfortable for patients to have them in their mouth. For many female patients, the comfort of having a dentist of the same gender is the most important factor. Many patients see females as more nurturing and compassionate than men, and choose a female dentist with the idea that she will comfort them during a process many patients fear. Studies have shown that women are better listeners than men, so patients feel comfortable that a female dentist will hear their concerns. And while it may sound strange, most women have a better sense of décor than men, and that helps them design their office in a manner that calms their patients and puts them at ease as soon as they walk in the door.
Why Choose Dr. Nikki Green?
Dr. Green does not strive for recognition as a great female dentist, she wants people to know her as a great dentist, period. She has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education to provide her patients with the best in preventive and cosmetic dentistry. The doctor focuses on making her patients comfortable with little touches like providing blankets for her patients who get cold in the office, and bigger things like the latest in dental technology. In Dr. Green you will find a highly skilled, caring dentist who will do whatever it takes to keep your smile looking gorgeous.
Call Us for an Appointment
Dr. Green looks forward to meeting you, and for patients who prefer a male dentist, Dr. Robert Leedy brings over 20 years of experience to the office two days a week. Call our Fort Worth dental office today to schedule an appointment with one of the doctors.
