SIU SDM Celebrated International Women’s Day with Learn and Lunch
Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) celebrated International Women’s Day with a learn and lunch presentation. The luncheon reflected on the transformation of society in the last decades and encouraged SIU SDM’s women to expand their individual skills and leadership, preparing themselves for success.
“We have so much to admire in the women who continue to pave pathways for opportunity and advancement,” Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, PhD, MS, dean of SIU SDM said in his welcoming remarks. “SIU SDM is proud and thankful for all women who serve as exceptional role models in mission and work ethic.”
Influential and highly regarded women leaders with national positions in dental education and organized dentistry sent inspirational video messages to the SIU SDM women for self-reflection as they related to the power of women. SIU SDM students presented the messages sent in by the women leaders.
Duane Douglas, DMD, associate dean of faculty greeted the attendees and Sara Whitener, DDS, clinical associate professor, served as the emcee and offered her experiences in dentistry from a women’s point of view.
A highlight of the lunch was Nathalia Garcia, DDS, MS professor and chair of the Department of Dental Medicine, head of the section of periodontics and interim director of research, and Deborah Dixon, DMD, MSc, professor and section head of diagnostic sciences and head of radiology, presenting their research entitled, "Advancing Women, Parity and Gender Equity."
The attendees learned about new leadership strategies, opportunities and resources to enable women students and faculty in dentistry to grow and develop their talents to be successful. Dixon addressed issues regarding current barriers, career satisfaction and strategies to succeed in the profession. Garcia stressed the importance for future female dentists to be well-qualified and ready to contribute to the discussion while elevating other women colleagues.
“It is important to have open spaces at the SDM to discuss topics related to the role of women in the society and the profession, learning from our history, knowing the present, understanding the challenges but also the opportunities for a bright future to develop our potential and build inclusive communities where the differences are appreciated,” said Garcia.
Attendees received a publication during the event entitled, "Breaking gender equality barriers in women’s global healthcare leadership,” authored by Jeanne Sinkford, PhD, MS, dean emerita from Howard University and Sonya Smith, EdD, JD, MEd, chief diversity officer of the American Dental Education Association, enlightening the attendees on the gender disparities in global healthcare, and the lack of female leadership worldwide in the health professions.
“Although women make up most of the health and social sector work force; bias, discrimination, stereotypes, and systemic barriers often prevent women from entering global health leadership roles,” Sinkford and Smith’s publication states. “A gender transformative leadership approach which incorporates gender mainstreaming is needed to break down barriers and accelerate gender equality”.
The presentation was sponsored by SIU SDM Office of Research, in collaboration with the Office of the Dean, the American Dental Education Association SIU SDM Student Chapter and the American Association of Women Dentists SIU SDM Student Chapter.
Photos: SIU SDM International Women’s Day learn and lunch.
SIU SDM dental student luncheon presenters (L-R) Brooke Shoemaker, Hannah Watson, Meredith Wolf and Jake McGiles.
