Alexandria, VA, USA - In 2019 the Journal of Dental Research (JDR) proudly celebrates its Centennial! The latest issue of Advances in Dental Research, an e-Supplement to the Journal of Dental Research (JDR), "IADR's Women Pioneers: Celebrating a Century of Achievement" highlights the history of the tremendous advancements in dental research made by women, while also identifying areas where the profession needs to continue to grow to be more inclusive in the promotion of women scientific innovators.
Many women have had an impact on dental, oral and craniofacial research throughout its evolution, yet it took 60 years before Marie Nylen was elected as the first women IADR President in 1981. Nylen and other trailblazing women who have shaped the IADR are highlighted in this issue, including the individual careers of the 11 IADR women presidents. Issues discussed range from unconscious and conscious biases that have prevented women from initial entry into dental schools over 100 years ago, to the more present-day challenges of breaking through the glass ceiling for leadership positions.
"The advances towards gender parity made as showcased by the IADR and our dental research community have been remarkable, but they are still inadequate," said IADR Immediate Past President and guest editor Rena D'Souza, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA. "Ways to continue advancing women in dental research include unconscious bias training for research academic team members, the better creation of allies of women and under-represented groups, continued data collection on the recruitment and retention of women in STEMM and cultivating institutions that value equity for women through the enforcement of equity guidelines at every level, including hiring and promotion."
"The IADR has done much to promote greater opportunity for women, with more women presenters at annual meetings, a 50% representation of IADR women presidents over the most recent 10 years and the development of innovative programs such as the IADR Women in Science Network," said guest editor Tamanna Tiwari, University of Colorado, Aurora, USA. "We hope the information in this issue will help to inspire the next generation women leaders in the dental, oral and craniofacial research community."
"This Advances in Dental Research issue is important because it discusses gender equity issues in dental, oral and craniofacial research as well as expands on institutional strategies towards parity," said guest editor Effie Ioannidou, University of Connecticut, Farmington, USA. "We feel this will be the beginning of a dialogue among stakeholders, which will enhance diversity and equity in the field."
"This is a wonderful collection showcasing the important contributions of women of the IADR and to dental research over the past century," said JDR Editor-in-Chief William Giannobile, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. "I am so pleased we could publish this special issue of the Advances of Dental Research as a part of our 100 year celebration."