Pictured are NJ Legislators Victoria Flynn (R), Luanne Peterpaul (D), NJDA President Dr. Elisa Velazquez and NJDA CEO Reva Brennan at the NJDPAC Women in Dentistry Meet & Greet on February 23 in Rumson, NJ.

At the NJDPAC Women in Dentistry Meet & Greet on February 23 in Rumson, NJ, the New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA) was honored with a proclamation from the New Jersey Legislature recognizing and supporting the advancement of women in dentistry. The resolution was presented by Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn (R) and Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul (D) to NJDA President Dr. Elisa Velazquez and NJDA CEO Reva Brennan.

The proclamation highlights the growing impact of women in the dental profession, acknowledging that women currently represent 37.7% of practicing dentists nationwide and 30.2% in New Jersey. With projections indicating that by 2040, women will make up nearly half (49.4%) of all dentists in the U.S., the recognition underscores their increasing leadership, mentorship, and contributions to the field.

It also notes that early-career dentists, aged 27-45, now constitute the majority of the profession, with young women making significant strides in leadership roles. The NJDA has long fostered equality and merit-based leadership, evidenced by trailblazing leaders such as Dr. Maxine Feinberg, NJDA’s first female president in 2002; Dr. Barbara Rich in 2012; Dr. Renee Arace in 2023; and Dr. Elisa Velazquez in 2024, who also holds the distinction of being the first Latina president of NJDA.

The proclamation further acknowledges that NJDA's governance reflects the diversity of the profession, with its executive leadership and board members representing all genders, ethnicities, and cultures. Additionally, the future of dentistry continues to evolve, with 56.4% of first-year dental students across the country being women—a trend mirrored at Rutgers Dental School, where 56.7% of its first-year students are female. 

This recognition from the New Jersey Legislature not only celebrates the achievements of women in dentistry but also reaffirms NJDA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable profession for future generations.