Since 1921, when our founders established the American Association of Women Dentists, our association has continued to grow. Several years ago, AAWD’s publication, Woman Dental Journal, was launched, and the journal has increased our visibility throughout the country even more.
Our annual meetings attract individuals from throughout the country. These meetings are not only lots of fun, but one can earn continuing education credits by attending courses presented by outstanding speakers. Wouldn’t it be nice to get together with AAWD friends and colleagues not just once or twice a year, but monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly?
If you are not affiliated with one of our local or student AAWD chapters, please consider joining a chapter in your area. If there is not one in your area, consider forming one. AAWD has designed packets containing information on how to start a chapter, either a local chapter or student chapter.
At AAWD meetings, one has an opportunity to learn from our nationally known speakers and to meet and learn from women who have been trailblazers in our profession. Mentoring is most important, especially for recent dental graduates. Because the number of female graduates is increasing, there is a greater need for those of us who have spent years in the profession to guide our new women dentists.
More and more AAWD chapters are being formed in various parts of the country. Within the past year, we have had student chapters established at the following dental schools: Temple University, Boston University, Howard University, the University of Michigan, the University of Florida, and the UNLV School of Dental Medicine.
Local chapters are forming in Jackson, Miss., Menlo Park, Calif., Morgantown, W.V., Baltimore, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Kansas City, Mo.
I invite you to join or start a local or student chapter so that you can enjoy the many benefits the organization offers. To learn if there is a chapter in your area or how to start a chapter, call Executive Director Debbie Gidley at (800) 920-2293 or e-mail her at [email protected].
Sandra Harris, DDS
