With more than 1,000 women dentists in Texas and three dental schools graduating nearly 50 percent female graduates each year, Texas women dentists organize in a BIG way (photo #3). The Texas Association of Women Dentists (T.A.W.D.), founded in 1986, looks forward to leading the way for regional study clubs and chapters by setting an example for others. T.A.W.D. presents monetary scholarships to dental students yearly (see photo #1), hosts continuing-education programs and receptions at regional dental meetings, publishes a newsletter, and provides networking opportunities. The Texas ladies want more (photo #2). We are joining forces with the American Association of Women Dentists to increase visibility and opportunities. We plan to include Texas information in Woman Dentist Journal and on the AAWD Web site, as well as collaborate with regional continuing-education programs. The future is exciting. The T.A.W.D. would like to incorporate the Smiles for Success service program in Texas for members to provide organized, donated dental services.
If you would like to join this powerful group of ladies, contact Dr. Heather Thompson, T.A.W.D. President, 970 S. Fry Road, Katy, Tx 77450, hthompsondds@aol. com.
TAWD 2003 Student Scholarships - From left: Karina Marr of Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas; Lindsey Hoppe of UTHSC Dental School, Houston; Angela Chen of UTHSC Dental School, San Antonio; Thuy Nguyen of UTHSC Dental School, San Antonio. Not pictured: Shannon Colye and Julie David from Baylor and Amy Jackson from Houston.
TAWD Officers, 2003-2004 - From left: Dr. Lou Lou Moore, Dr. Kathy Nichols, Dr. Sandra Sinclair, Dr. Alma Garza, Dr. Bobbi Jo Meyer, Dr. Dee Dee Matocha, Dr. Heather Thompson (TAWD president), Dr. Angela Anton, and Dr. Lanette Sikes.
TAWD, AAWD Power Women - From left: Dr. Lanette Sikes — immediate past president TAWD; Dr. Linda Niessen — AAWD president 1984; Dr. Rise' Lyman — current AAWD president; Dr. Pat Blanton — 1st woman president of Texas Dental Association 2003; Dr. Sheryl Beltrane — AAWD president 1989; Dr. Heather Thompson — current TAWD president; Dr. Alma Garza — vice president TAWD, SW Division.
