Clever Lucy Hobbs Taylor, the path to a dream and gender equality (5 photos)

Nowadays, a woman, if she wishes, can master any profession that relatively recently was considered exclusively male. Ladies drive cars, serve in the army, and are comfortable with machinery.





And just a couple of centuries ago, representatives of the weaker half had to literally chew out their place in the sun with their teeth. Moreover, the issue of dental health has always been and remains relevant.



Lucy Hobbs was born on March 14, 1833 in New York. She became one of the first women to receive a doctorate in dental surgery and inspired many to follow her example. She first worked as a schoolteacher in Michigan, but an interest in medicine and an acquaintance with a physician with a similar passion led her to move to Ohio in 1859.

There she applied to medical school. However, she was refused admission and was offered to pursue dentistry instead.

Then she applied to dental school in Ohio, but she was rejected there too. Second refusal, and all because of gender!





The dean of the Ohio School of Dental Surgery took pity on the girl with a burning dream and offered to study privately. Two years later, the former teacher turned into quite a strong specialist doctor. And I decided to open my own office.

The educational institution lifted the ban on admitting women, and in 1865, the practically established dentist finally received student status.



Just a year later, Lucy Hobbs Taylor was awarded her diploma, a huge achievement as she became the first woman to graduate from dental school. In 1867, she and her husband James Myrtle Taylor opened a dental practice in Chicago.

After the death of her husband, Lucy ended her medical practice and began her career as a politician. Despite having an advanced degree, the first female dentist could not escape gender stereotypes. Until her death in 1910, she fought for equal rights with men in choosing a profession.



Since 1983, female dentists in the States have been awarded the Lucy Taylor Award. Although she was not actually the first lady dentist, it was Lucy who managed to make a breakthrough, receiving an education, a diploma and forcing the public to accept her as a specialist. And at the same time, open the door to a world of new opportunities for other women.