GROWING NUMBERS OF WOMEN ENTERING THE DENTAL PROFESSION

AAID-Credentialed Women Dentists Reflect on their Fulfilling Career Choice

[CHICAGO, IL] – [AUGUST 18, 2022] – According to the American Dental Association, women make up a record-breaking 56% of incoming dental students, almost tripling the percentage who were first-year students in the ’80s. Once these students complete their education, they’ll be joining the ranks of a new generation of female implant specialists. Three female dental leaders who have several decades of experience between them are American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) credentialed dental implant experts Janice Wang, DDS, DABOI, Jasmine Sung, DDS, DABOI, and Polly Michaels, DMD, DABOI.

To earn their AAID credentials, dentists must meet rigorous qualifications that demonstrate they have the deep knowledge and critical skills essential to successfully placing implants and replacement teeth. Dr. Sung believes that recognizing and replacing teeth with dental implants is imperative to improving the quality of life of her patients. After receiving her D.D.S. from Baylor College of Dentistry, she completed over 1,500 hours of continuing education to ensure her patients know they are receiving the best care. “My patients have become like family. They need to be comfortable with their procedures, so I strive to provide the highest quality care with integrity,” she said.

After six years as a hospital-based dentist, Dr. Michaels started her own practice in 2010. She believes her experience with medically compromised patients allows her to complete complex surgeries with a more predictable, long-term outcome in implants and prosthetics. “Any existing issues are magnified in a medically complex patient, so it is of utmost importance that the care I provide is customized for each patient’s success. The rigorous testing required for AAID credentialing allows patients to feel confident in my qualifications for providing this critical care,” said Dr. Michaels.

Dr. Wang describes AAID’s program as the “best and safest practices in dental implantology — protecting the general public and providing dentists with extensive education and levels of credentials.” With 19 years of intensive experience in implantology, from extractions and bone grafts to implant placements and restorations, she has found that “implants are usually the only logical, comfortable, and conservative solution” for clients with missing or failing teeth.

Drs. Sung, Michaels and Wang have found great satisfaction in using their rigorous dental implant-focused training to change the lives of those needing replacement teeth. As implant experts with deep knowledge and extensive skills, they can ensure their patients feel comfortable and confident throughout the implant process and with the smiles that result.

To learn more about the professional journeys of these accomplished women and why AAID-credentialed dentists are the go-to dental implant experts for patients, watch their videos at Answers from AAID-credentialed dentists and read their articles on the LifeSmiles blog. To understand what AAID-credentialing is, visit our Training, Experience & Credentials page for a summary of the qualifications.

Founded in 1951, the AAID was the first organization in the United States dedicated to developing and improving dental implants. Today, after 70 years, the AAID continues to be the leading organization of dentists devoted to providing dental implant treatment solutions. Their credentialing program reinforces that these individuals are at the highest standards of competency in the profession. For more information about the AAID, visit aaid.com or call (312) 335-1550 or (877) 335-2243.