Women in Implantology - June 30, 2020
“The time has come to find an equilibrium between men and women in our profession. We need female role models to inspire and encourage other women to achieve their professional expectations.“
It all started in 2016 when a group of international women joined forces to support women in the world of implantology, for the moment still strongly led by men. After this first meeting, we all felt that we were looking for a balance in our professional lives between women and men, we need each other to be able to grow and to evolve in implant dentistry!
In our society combining a professional career, for me, as a woman, with a family is kind of an adventure. As a periodontist and implantologist, I enjoy to help my patients to feel confident again. As a lecturer, I want to share my knowledge and ability to treat every patient as an individual. To combine all of the above, and for me to be able to organize my time between my different activities is sometimes really demanding and I know I am not the only one (like John Lennon's song...).
I'm in constant touch with so many female colleagues. We discuss our professional life, goals, and ambitions. I know there are many of us in a similar position but I am sure we can change that together.
My main motivation is to obtain more visibility for women in our professional lives as implantologists. I am so eager to see more female speakers at dental meetings, to share my own experiences as a speaker and to show how I treat my periodontal patients whom might need implants to restore lost teeth.
To be totally honest, I really believe I have a mission to share. I hope that between all of us we can boost the female visibility in implant dentistry. Because I have met along my path so many talented and gifted women who can share their experience, knowledge, and passion for implantology.
“The time has come to find an equilibrium between man and women in our profession. We need female role models to inspire and encourage other women to achieve their professional expectations.“ Laurence Adriaens
Who are we:
WIN is a global network of dental professionals
What we do:
- Engage women in implantology
- Empower women to follow their ambitions and advance into leadership roles
Why WIN?
As dental professionals, we always take care to find the best solution for each patient. Success is when a patient can freely smile and chew as with natural teeth.
Women account for an increasing percentage of dental school graduates, and only a minority become active in implant dentistry. If this trend continues, patient access to implant therapy and proper maintenance is at risk as there will be less professionals specialized in this field in the future. There is also a shortage of female role models in implant dentistry: surgeons, speakers, key opinion leaders and practice owners. This is what motivates us as WIN members. Having a successful career as surgeon, business owner or in academics, we want to inspire and engage more women in implant dentistry.
How?
- Raising awareness of the situation and featuring female talents.
- Networking opportunities at WIN events, dental congresses and online.
- State-of-the-art implant dentistry via the WIN classroom, summaries of scientific evidence and skill-building workshops.
- Mentorship with WIN Circles, online mentoring, and leadership tips.