Give to gain: achieving gender equality in dentistry

Stevie Farndon speaks to five women overcoming gender barriers to transform dentistry through leadership, mentorship and purpose.

International Women’s Day invites reflection not only on progress toward gender equality but also on how meaningful change happens within professions. 

This year’s theme, ‘give to gain’, highlights the impact of generosity, collaboration and shared support in creating opportunity while strengthening communities.

Across dentistry, women are shaping the profession through leadership, mentorship, education and service. 

While challenges around representation and career progression remain, progress accelerates when knowledge and opportunity are actively shared.

Giving is not a subtraction. It is intentional multiplication. When women thrive, the entire profession benefits.

Across clinical practice, corporate leadership, mentorship and global outreach, the experiences of five inspiring women demonstrate how giving creates lasting professional and personal gain.

Mentorship and collective growth

Mentorship remains one of the most powerful ways to support career development within dentistry. Having someone believe in you at pivotal moments can transform confidence and ambition.

Dr Manrina Rhode, founder and CEO of DRMR and board member of the British Association of Private Dentistry, credits mentorship as central to her journey.

‘For me, give to gain comes from my own journey. I know how powerful it is when someone believes in you and shares what they have learned. 

‘By mentoring and supporting women in dentistry, we’re not just helping individuals succeed, we’re building a profession that is more confident, collaborative and inclusive.’

Mentorship offers more than technical guidance. It provides reassurance, visibility and encouragement at pivotal career moments. 

When experienced clinicians openly share lessons learned, they help others navigate challenges with greater confidence. The result is a culture where success becomes shared rather than competitive.

Leadership through opportunity

Creating opportunities through leadership is another powerful expression of giving within dentistry. 

Dr Farzeela Rupani, group chief medical officer for Europe at Colosseum Dental Group, explains how mentoring became part of her leadership responsibilities.

‘Throughout my career, dentistry has provided many opportunities to mentor others both within organisations and beyond them. Effective mentorship begins with trust, openness and understanding individual goals.’

People encouraged her to pursue paths she once doubted herself capable of, demonstrating how belief from others can open doors.

‘Helping others succeed allows you to grow personally and professionally. Giving to gain is not about having all the answers. It is about creating space to think differently and evolve together.’

Giving beyond the clinic

Giving can extend far beyond traditional practice.

Dr Chinwe Akuonu, general dentist, speaker and prevention and wellness advocate, recently volunteered in Egypt treating underserved communities.

‘My recent volunteer work in Egypt was a deeply moving reminder of the true meaning of service. Dentistry is not just about treatment. It is about compassion, dignity and human connection.’

Working alongside other women in dentistry added an additional layer of meaning.

‘Standing alongside so many dedicated women united by a shared commitment to give was incredibly powerful. There was a quiet strength in that collective compassion, in choosing to step away from our own practices and income to serve others simply because we could, and because we should.

‘When knowledge is shared with intention and care is given with heart, dentistry becomes something greater than a profession. It restores hope, confidence and humanity.’

Purpose-driven mentorship and personal impact

Dr Zainab Al Mukhtar, clinical educator, mentor and director of Harrow on the Hill Clinic, believes giving is rooted in purpose rather than transaction.

‘Giving is not always transactional. I see giving as fulfilling my purpose by having an impact on others. 

‘Propelling people forward or seeing their burdens lifted feels meaningful.’

She describes the greatest gain not as professional recognition but emotional fulfilment. ‘The biggest gain for me is a sense of reward around the impact, and that brings me peace.’ 

Community as catalyst

For Dr Shandy Vijayan, chief operating officer of the Dental Mums Network, community itself becomes a catalyst for change.

‘As a clinician, educator and mother of two, I’ve experienced how isolating dentistry can feel at different stages of your career.

‘When women speak openly about challenges and boundaries, it creates permission for others to grow. Giving is about visibility. It is saying: “You don’t have to walk this path alone”.

‘When women support each other intentionally, we stop competing for limited space and start expanding it.’

Moving forward all together

Across mentorship, leadership, service and community, a shared truth emerges. Progress in dentistry is rarely achieved alone.

As dentistry continues to evolve, fostering supportive networks and visible leadership pathways will remain essential to achieving meaningful gender equality. 

If give to gain teaches us anything, it is that when women share knowledge, open doors, lift one another up and propel them forward, the entire profession moves with them.

International Women’s Day reminds us that leadership is not defined by titles alone but by the impact we leave through the people we choose to support.

Follow Dentistry on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.