Alumna Profile

Joanne Dawley, DDS 1980

Rejection and Motivation

"I offered to work for nothing at a dental laboratory just to get some experience, but that didn't pan out," she said. "I didn't perceive the rejection to be race-related. Rather, it was just that female dentists were practically unheard of at the time, which I think is another reason I think I didn't receive a lot of encouragement from others when I told them about my plans."

Asked what kept her motivated, Dawley said that she "didn't want to disappoint my mother, and I wanted to do something positive with my life."

Arriving at U-M to pursue her undergraduate studies, Dawley said one of the first things she did was talk to Dr. Lee Jones (DDS 1961), a member of the School of Dentistry's faculty as an adjunct lecturer and director of the Office of Minority Affairs for 25 years.

"Dr. Jones gave me some great advice about courses I needed to take while I was working for my bachelor's degree in English, and what I had to do to gain admission to the dental school," she said. "He was probably the biggest influence on me as an undergraduate student."

Once in dental school, Dawley said the curriculum "was a very intense experience and also very regimented. I think all of us kept a low profile and did what we needed to do to succeed."

Dawley said she "looked up to every instructor because I found each one to be an incredible source of information." In particular, she mentioned Dr. Daniel Snyder "who was especially tough. But I learned a lot from him because he was so demanding."

After graduation, Dawley practiced with another dentist for about three years before she began working for the Wayne County Health Department for nine years. While practicing public health dentistry, Dawley returned to private practice dentistry, this time on a part-time basis, before opening her own practice in 1987.

"When I opened my practice, I didn't have any patients," she said. "Fortunately, I had family and friends who referred patients to me." Dawley said she hopes to continue practicing at her Southfield, Michigan, office at least another ten years before considering retirement.

Issues of Concern

Her practice and serving as MDA president will keep her busy.

During her one-year term, Dawley said she would like MDA members to focus on issues and concerns they want her and other MDA leaders to address.

Admitting there are countless issues to address, Dawley thinks she can be effective focusing on two or three issues in particular.

One is access to care.

"Whether you live in the city or in the country, access to oral health care is a major concern. It's a geographic issue because it affects those in cities and small towns, and it's also a financial issue. We're in a profession that's perceived as caring and if we're not helping our patients, regardless of geography or finances or anything else, then we're not doing our job."

Another issue is how oral health care may fit any potential national health care program. "Do dentists in Michigan want to be a part of a national health care program if there is one?," she asks. "Should we be involved? If so, how?"

Finally, Dawley said, "dentists today need to be able to speak and interact with legislators, not just through the MDA, but one-on-one because it's those personal relationships that make a difference."

"Incredibly Rewarding"

Citing her personal experiences, Dawley emphasizes to dental students the importance of being involved in organized dentistry both in college and once they receive their dental degree.

"When you're a part of organized dentistry, you belong to a group of professionals with similar interests and concerns. But you also have opportunities to mentor others and receive advice on so many issues that affect you, your patients, your staff, and your community. Some you may not have even considered," she said. "Being involved is incredibly rewarding, and I encourage all dental students to become involved and stay involved."

Reflecting on her decision to get involved and participate in organized dentistry, including the MDA, Dawley said, "It's an honor to become president of the Michigan Dental Association. But it's not my organization. It's theirs, the members."

See Joanne Dawley's professional achievements and selected highlights.