Science Literacy Week - October 6-10, 2015
Science Literacy Week in Canada will be celebrated on October 6-12 this year. There are many activities across the U of T Libraries to celebrate this important event. Check out the guide by the Gerstein Science Information Centre, listing all the virtual and in person activities happening for SLW 2025.
Since October is also Women’s History Month, the Dentistry Library is highlighting Canadian Women in Dentistry this month. Women have contributed greatly to the oral health profession in Canada. Here, we are providing some fun facts about the history women in dentistry. To learn more about other Canadian trail blazers, visit the Government of Canada site.
First Woman to Graduate from UofT Dentistry.
Dr. Caroline Louise Josephine Wells (1856-1939) was the first woman to graduate from dental school (Royal College of Dental Surgeons, as it was known at the time) in 1893. At the time, the dental school was affiliated with UofT in the administration of the degrees. Her husband was a graduate of the school and a practicing dentist who passed away at a young age. Being familiar with the dental office and with the support of family, Dr. Wells attended dental school and obtained a license to practice, giving her the opportunity to take over her husband’s practice and provide for her family as a single parent. The Dentistry Library has a fun historical fact about Dr. Wells. In 1984, the University of Toronto celebrated 100 years of Women at UofT (women were admitted in 1884). Each faculty celebrated in some way. The Faculty of Dentistry commissioned a stained-glass window of St. Apollonia (the patron Saint of Tooth Ache) with the face resembling Dr. Wells. The funds were provided by the DDS 1984 graduating class and other donors. The glass window is still available here in our Reading Room.
Women only profession: Dental Nursing
In 1919, the RCDS established a one-year program in Dental Nursing. The enrolment was women only until the end of the program in 1960. These women supported dentistry by assisting the dentists, not only in dental procedures, but also in office management, budgeting, supplies, and patient management. Their contribution to dentistry is often overlooked, but their impact was invaluable.
Women dominated profession: Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene certificate program at the Faculty of Dentistry was offered from 1951 to 1977. In 1977 a new Bachelor of Dental Hygiene was introduced, and this was offered until 2001. Although the enrolment was restricted to women only until 1969, the profession continues to be dominated by women.
Women in Dentistry
Dentistry was dominated by men until the 1960s. Today, in Canada, the profession is about 51% female. Gender parity has been reached, however, female dentists make about 21% less income than their male colleagues (Gupta, 2024).
Some notable women leaders in dentistry include:
Dr. Deborah Stymiest: First woman president of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) from 2008-2009.
Dr. Lynn Tomkins: A practicing dentist for over 40 years, Dr. Tomkins was also the second CDA woman president in 2022-2023. She also served as President of the Ontario Dental Association from 2010-2011. In 2024, she was honoured with the American College of Dentists Distinguished Leadership Award for her contribution to dental education, public health, public policy in Canada.
Dr. Susan Sutherland: Founding and Past President of the Canadian Association of Hospital Dentists. Dr. Sutherland is an advocator for the profession and a leader at Choosing Wisely Canada, through her research on antimicrobial resistance https://choosingwiselycanada.org/using-antibiotics-wisely-2021/
Dr. Effie Habsha: Founder of Women in Dentistry: Work. Life. Balace., an organization bringing together women dentists for mentorship, continuing education, and a forum of discussion.
Progress is still to be made
As of 2021, 97% of dental hygienists and 99% of dental assistants were women. Although most dental hygienists are female, the 3% males made about 26% more on average than their female colleagues (Gupta, 2024).
A recent climate survey on the 8 out of the 10 Canadian Dental Schools and 12 Dental Hygiene schools found that more work needs to be done to make everyone feel more included and accepted at the schools (Ardenghi, 2025).
More resources on Women in Dentistry
Check out our blog post on Black Women in Dentistry from February 26, 2024 by Finley Eliasmith, Reference Specialist https://dentistry.library.utoronto.ca/dentistry-blog/black-women-dentistry
Canadian Dental Association (2021) Women in Dentistry – The Changing Workforce https://www.cda-adc.ca/_files/about/membership/benefits/2_Women_in_Dentistry_DOTH_2022_LeaveBehind_EN.pdf
Canadian Dental Association (2019). CDAOasis Discussion: Issues & People, Professional Issues: Women in Dentistry: Work. Life. Balance with Dr. Effie Habsna https://oasisdiscussions.ca/tag/women-in-dentistry/
Canadian Dental Association (2019). CDAOasis Discussion: Issues & People, Professional Issues: Women in Dentistry: Work. Life. Balance with Dr. Lynn Tomkins https://oasisdiscussions.ca/tag/women-in-dentistry/
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto (2019). UofT Dentistry Magazine: Women & Dentistry. Winter/Spring 2019 https://www.dentistry.utoronto.ca/sites/default/files/2019-03/UofT-Dentistry-WinterSpring2019-WEB-SinglePages.pdf
Women in Dentistry (2025). Home Page. https://womenindentistry.ca/
References
Gupta N, Miah P. Imbalances in the oral health workforce: a Canadian population-based study. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024 Oct 7;24(1):1191. doi: 10.1186/s12913-024-11677-7. PMID: 39375673; PMCID: PMC11457345.
Ardenghi DM, Prakki A, Brondani M, Grazziotin R. Inaugural findings on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canadian Dental Academia. J Dent Educ. 2025 May;89(5):683-696. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13708. PMID: 40422321; PMCID: PMC12108215.