Volume 7 • 2020 • Issue 1

21 Issue 1 | 2020 | N ews and E vents Women in the dental profession—dentists, specialists, assistants, and hygienists—gather a few times a year for educational and networking events, including an annual symposium in April, “to share and learn from one another’s experiences.” Dr. Habsha says that the organization’s events are designed to address the common challenges that women often face. “Issues around raising a family, taking time off when we have children,” says Dr. Habsha. “Also, running a business is a little bit different for a woman.” She says that the fact that most dental offices have predominantly female staff means that management styles are often different for male and female dentists. “Our events are a nice forum for female dental professionals to get together in a professionally constructive way that combines both camaraderie and learning,” she says. Dr. Lynn Tomkins, a member of the CDA Board of Directors and a past president of the Ontario Dental Association, recently spoke at a Women in Dentistry: Work, Life, Balance event at the University of Toronto. On a panel of five, Dr. Tomkins spoke specifically about the necessity for and benefits of women in leadership in organized dentistry. “I wanted to emphasize with dental students how important it is for young women dentists to become involved in their local associations and societies when they’re looking for mentors,” says Dr. Tomkins. As well, she explains, if women aren’t part of decision making for the profession, change will occur without their input. Learning Together: A Symposium for Female Dental Professionals Organization: Women in Dentistry: Work, Life, Balance Founder: Dr. Effrat (Effie) Habsha, prosthodontist in Toronto Next Event: 2020 Women in Dentistry Symposium, Parkview Manor, Toronto, April 24 Visit: womensdentistry.com “We created this group in 2010 to helpme personally connect withmy local female referrals,” says Dr. EffieHabsha. “It grew to be a lot more.” Photos: Nathalie Crown Photography Women in the dental profession, including founder Dr. Effie Habsha (l.), gathered for an evening of camaraderie, while learning and sharing experiences, at theWomen in Dentistry event in April 2019.