Dentsply Sirona’s 2021 Smart Integration Award
Showcasing the innovations of women in dentistry
When Dr. Jenny Apekian graduated from the University of California San Francisco in 2007, she was part of one of the first classes
to be 50% women. Now, she’s part of another milestone, having been nominated for Dentsply Sirona’s 2021 Smart Integration Award, which showcases the best innovations from women in dentistry.
“I was incredibly proud to be nominated for this award because I know there are so many strong, highly professional women in the running,” Dr. Apekian shared. “It’s very exciting, and I’m honored to be among them.” The Smart Integration Award promotes and fosters the evolution of new and inventive ideas to integrate digital technology into the practices and dental labs of the future and to improve the treatment experience for patients. The award is given to women in dentistry who integrate and use digital technology to their fullest potential.
“We are using technology in ways that improve our outcomes and our efficiency,” explained Dr. Apekian. “This comes naturally to us, but with this award, our ideas and innovative approaches are recognized. We are given a platform and become visible.”
“What I look forward to most is bridging the gap in practice ownership and seeing more and more women performing advanced surgical procedures.”
- Jenny Apekian DDS, General Dentist and
Owner, Midtown Dental, Sacramento, CA
Opportunities for Networking and Career Growth
The award is open to women around the world working as dentists or dental technicians. As women now make up an increasingly large proportion of the profession, it is important to Dentsply Sirona to support women’s needs, promote their skills, and offer opportunities for networking and growth.
“I hope to network even more with many colleagues through the Smart Integration Award,” Dr. Apekian added, “I think a strong network is very important for personal and professional development.”
Establishing an international network of women in dentistry is a key focus of the Smart Integration Award. Winners will have the opportunity to join an exclusive, individual training program and exchange ideas with international colleagues as part of the Smart Integration Network. “What I look forward to most is bridging the gap in practice ownership and seeing more and more women performing advanced surgical procedures,” Dr. Apekian said.
Advice for Young Women in Dentistry
Dr. Apekian believes dentistry to be a wonderful profession that offers numerous opportunities to give people healthy, happy smiles. She appreciates the fact that it is diverse and there are many fields in which to practice, as well as the fact that clinicians are predominantly in control of their patient care.
“I can say with a clear conscience that I have changed hundreds of lives for the better and love what I do on a daily basis,” she shared. “It is incredibly rewarding, and I would encourage any woman with interest in the field to dive in headfirst. The learning never ends, and the possibilities are equally endless.”
The award honors examples of seamlessly connected procedures and workflows, and innovative solutions that improve both the user experience of the practice team and patient experience. “I am truly proud to have been able to experience these changes in my professionally active time,” concluded Dr. Apekian. “I am both certain and excited that very soon it will no longer be an achievement, but quite normal to have a career in dentistry as a woman.”
