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The documentary Women Shaping Dentistry Tomorrow offers an inspiring look into the lives and careers of remarkable women in the field of dentistry. At its heart is the story of dentist Sharon Parsons, whose journey from a small town in Ohio to becoming a trailblazer in her profession is quite simply inspiring and empowering.
Parsons' narrative is one of resilience. Growing up in the 1960s, she was surrounded by traditional gender roles, where most women worked as nurses, teachers, or secretaries. Dentistry was not even on her radar until her orthodontist mentioned it, sparking a revelation that shattered her preconceived notions of what women could achieve. Despite facing skepticism and discrimination, Parsons pursued her dream with unwavering resolve.
The documentary captures Parsons' pivotal moments, from her struggles to secure funding for dental school to the challenges she faced as one of the few women in her field highlighting the systemic barriers that women encountered in dentistry, from quotas limiting their admission to the prejudices of their male peers and instructors.
However, Parsons' story is not of victimhood but of triumph. She defied expectations and carved out her place in a male-dominated profession through sheer grit and perseverance. Her journey shines a spotlight on the power of mentorship and community support, as she credits her orthodontist and other female mentors for guiding her along the way.
Parsons' advocacy for women in dentistry extends beyond her career. She recognizes the importance of representation and support networks for aspiring female dentists, acknowledging the challenges they face in a profession still grappling with gender inequality.
The documentary also features other trailblazing women in dentistry, such as Anne Duffy, Hazel Glasper, Sonia Chopra, Katherine Eitel Belt, and Fiona Chambers. Like Parsons', their stories reflect the diversity of experiences and challenges women face in the field, from breaking into male-dominated spaces to overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
What makes Women Shaping Dentistry Tomorrow compelling is its celebration of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity. It's not just a story about dentistry; it's a call to action for viewers to challenge stereotypes, support women in male-dominated fields, and create more inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
The Inspiration Behind the Documentary
Joanna Scott, the Business Development Director for Studio EightyEight and an advocate for authentic storytelling shares the inspiration behind the documentary. Scott's engagement in numerous conversations, podcasts, and discussions with women who have boldly taken their place at the table and assumed leadership roles left a lasting impression on her. These remarkable individuals, with their unwavering resolve and steadfast determination, inspired Scott to explore why more women are entering the dental profession at unprecedented rates.
Through the creation of the documentary, Scott was profoundly moved by the stories of struggles, obstacles, and mountains that Dr. Sharon Parsons and other women had to overcome to succeed in dentistry and thrive in their professional roles. These women are resilient and a testament to the progress that comes when someone stops to “dig the well” first.
Scott wants viewers to take away from the documentary the understanding that dentistry is hard, full of challenges from the moment you begin your clinical years in school to starting your own practice or practicing professionally in whatever capacity. The profession can feel very isolating, but by bringing everyone together to spotlight these stories, the community can become a catalyst for change.
The response from the dental community has been overwhelmingly positive. The documentary continues to receive messages from women and men who share it with new audiences. The stories of resilience, determination, and triumph have resonated deeply, inspiring viewers to support and champion women in male-dominated fields.
Women Shaping Dentistry Tomorrow is a must-watch documentary that offers a compelling glimpse into the lives and careers of extraordinary women in dentistry. Through their stories of resilience, determination, and triumph, viewers are not only entertained but also inspired to support and champion women in male-dominated fields. It's a powerful reminder that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but essential principles for building a better, more equitable world.
These women are not just shaping the profession; they are redefining it, paving the way for future generations of female dentists to follow in their footsteps. Their stories inspire hope and courage, reminding us that with determination and support, anything is possible.
To watch and share the Women Shaping Dentistry Tomorrow documentary, or catch the recorded LIVE Watch Party with all the cast members, visit
About the Director
Joanna Scott serves as the Business Development Director for Studio EightyEight, dentistry’s story-driven marketing agency. An advocate for authentic storytelling, Joanna is the host of The Story Project podcast, a video-driven show putting the spotlight on the incredible stories of women leaders in dentistry. Married to her high school best friend Josh Scott for 27 years and a momma to two teenagers and a mini-golden doodle, Joanna is dedicated to helping grow a dental marketing agency that “speaks human.”
Follow Joanna on Instagram: @joannafscott @studio8e8
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