DEXIS Highlights Three Inspiring Dentists for Women’s History Month
From Emeline Roberts Jones, recognized as the first woman to practice dentistry in the mid 1800s, to Grace Rogers Spalding who formed the American Academy of Periodontology in 1913, to Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford who became the first female dean of a U.S. dental school in 1975, to the innovators improving patient care and dental technologies today — women have played a vital role in shaping and propelling the dental industry.
As we join the world in celebrating Women’s History Month this March, we want to take this opportunity to highlight three inspiring dentists leading the profession and helping DEXIS continue to advance solutions leading to better patient outcomes. We are pleased to share with you the insights, experiences, and advise of Judy McIntyre, DMD, MS, Hopkinton Endodontics; Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, Salem Dental Arts; and Katya Archambault, DMD, Board-Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist, San Diego Dental Health Center.
What inspired you to go into the field of dentistry? And your specialty?
“Growing up, I always did arts and craft, creating with my hands. And my school assessment tests always had dentistry on my list. I experienced a traumatic dental injury as a child, so I spent more time in the dental chair than most. Having positive dental experiences as a child shaped me and that is my goal for our patients.”
— Dr. Judy McIntyre
“Growing up, I never dreamed about being in the dental field. I thought I would become a vet or a hockey player or a physical therapist. My dad encouraged me to become a dental hygienist, and I fell in love with dentistry in the process. I thought it was so cool during the periodical exam how dentists could find the problem and then know how to fix it. After working in a few practices, I became enamored with the work of prosthodontists, and went back to dental school for three years to become one. Now I own my own practice where we do a mix of different things, from general dentistry to specialty cosmetic or prosthetic and larger rehabilitations.”
— Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz
“My father was a physician and pushed me toward dentistry thinking it was a good field for women (I wanted to go into medicine). I wasn’t too sure at the beginning, but it changed for me after I had my first patient. He was petrified; it was his first time seeing a dentist. When it was over he said it didn’t hurt at all, and from that minute I knew I was in the right field. I worked as a general dentist then moved toward the more medical aspect of diagnostic and maxillofacial radiology. I completed my surgical training and at age 52 I’m at the peak of my career.”
— Dr. Katya Archambault
Is there an influential woman you look up to and why?
“Mentorship has played a huge role in my career and life. I was fortunate to have amazing female mentors, including Dr. Patricia Brown, a female Orthodontist I interned and worked for. She trained me as an assistant during college and encouraged me to apply to Harvard dental school. I’m still in touch with her today, and it’s been one of the most defining relationships in my career. Another role model is Dr. Olivia Cajulis, who offered me a summer job as a researcher testing water lines. The work she was doing around water lines sanitization was revolutionary at the time.”
— Dr. Judy McIntyre
“I grew up as the only female hockey goalie in the entire region, so it was really cool to see the first woman player in the NHL, Manon Rheaume — who was also a goalie. She was legit, playing at that level in a professional setting. Now that I’m older, I look up to my mom who worked while raising kids. She had a crazy work ethic that got passed down to me. I’ve always gravitated toward strong women with strong opinions and a voice.”
— Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz
“So many women have inspired me. Every woman is an inspiration — no one would be here without women! I had mentors in my specialty, colleagues and patients who have inspired me. But my greatest role mode was my mother. She wanted to get into medicine, but it was difficult for women in her era. She became a nurse and raised a family. She got her masters in nursing, and was still working at age 76 as a nurse.”
— Dr. Katya Archambault
Can you describe any hurdles you overcame being a female in the dental field and how you overcame them?
“For the most part, I’ve encountered few obstacles. I will say that job interviews being visibly pregnant is not an empowering experience. Once you have children and a family, the implications on work/life balance are complicated. I definitely struggle with mom guilt and prioritize family time; it’s always a work in progress.”
— Dr. Judy McIntyre
“I feel very fortunate and know that others have truly faced hurdles. Everything I’ve done has required hard work and dedication. My professional career has been an evolution, starting with applying to dental school. There’s always an element of self-doubt along the way, but I think of the saying, ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bit at a time.’ Getting over those hurdles takes hard work and determination.”
— Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz
“I’ve raised four kids, had to see patients right after delivery, and I know how hard it is to feel like you need to be perfect everywhere. That’s why I think it’s so important to be a mentor, as someone who understands the ups and downs and what it’s like to be a woman.”
— Dr. Katya Archambault
Do you have any words of wisdom to share with any aspiring female dentists or practicing dentists?
“There are so many great mentors around - look for them. Find those positive role models; mine have turned into lifelong relationships. There are also so many platforms for dentists who are moms. It’s a very empowering time with many more supportive resources around.”
— Dr. Judy McIntyre
“Don’t let self-doubt win. If there’s something you’d like to pursue, do it. Don’t let anyone stop you. There are a lot of amazing women in dentistry, and a lot of support there, someone to help raise you up. Take advantage of that.”
— Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz
“I think that women sometimes feel less comfortable and need to be 100% certain before making a decision. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut and trust yourself. There’s always a little uncertainty, but just remind yourself that you’ve got this.”
— Dr. Katya Archambault
To all the incredible, inspiring and innovative women in dentistry, happy Women’s History Month on behalf of DEXIS.
