Then all of a sudden affirmative action came into it and females fell into the minority group, which attracted them to dentistry. I think it's evolved to the point where they've found out, as Joe said, that with flex-time, picking the time when to practice, they can raise a family. I think now it has become a norm. Another factor, I believe, was managed care. You see that in other countries as well.
People have the image that dentistry is very barbaric, and they just picture the forceps.
Now, with a move in dentistry toward cosmetics, there is a more caring emphasis. Patients feel we have smaller hands and it won't hurt as badly, or that we are more compassionate or gentle. That is what I have been told by patients. I feel they know more what they are doing than women do. It is just a perception.