A Woman’s Place

Woman Leadership

There are more women now than when I started,” she says, “but few of them reach top positions.” Josette graduated in 1992, at a time when gender equality in dentistry was non-existent. “Everything was more male-dominated,” she recalls, noting that today most dental courses are overwhelmingly female. Despite this shift, many women still don’t reach leadership roles. Josette emphasizes that change is happening, “These days, I see more young men actively participating in home life, and that’s a big change from what I remember in my own family.” She believes that as society evolves, new opportunities for female leadership will emerge, though challenges remain.

Staying Authentic

“It’s essential not to try to copy others. Copies are never good copies,” Josette emphasizes. She believes in following one’s unique style instead of mimicking others. “Men have their own way; you can’t copy that. You can’t live my life, and I can’t live yours.” By embracing her authenticity, she became the first woman to receive the prestigious Louis Grossman Award in 2018, proving that embracing one’s uniqueness can break barriers. Josette describes her career as something she never imagined would reach the heights it has. It was the opportunities that continually pushed her to go further. “I think the people around me know my strengths more than I do,” she admits.

Mastering the Unexpected

“In the clinic, you must always have a Plan B. Each patient is different,” Josette advises. Dentistry is not a machine-driven process; it requires adaptability and quick thinking. “You have to improvise, change your method, always be ready to pull an ace from your sleeve.” She emphasizes that dentists must be prepared to use different techniques depending on the patient’s needs. “Sometimes the things you know are not what the patient needs,” she notes. Josette encourages embracing stress as a motivating force, recognizing that “you can never be completely at ease; you always have to stay alert and ready to react.” Her focus is on remaining adaptable and ready for unexpected challenges, which she sees as part of delivering exceptional patient care.

Progress is about reliability

For Josette, FKG represents the future of dentistry with its cutting-edge innovations and high standards. “Some people want to stick to old products, but that’s dangerous. Technology evolves, and FKG knows how to link innovation and quality.” With tools that respect the natural structure of teeth, the company combines futuristic solutions with the utmost precision. Josette warns that sticking to old methods can be risky: “Things move on, and you have to have innovation that is reliable.” She appreciates that FKG invests heavily in quality control, ensuring each product maintains the highest standards. “It’s about creating solutions that are both safe and forward-thinking,” she concludes, reinforcing her belief in balancing technological advancement with reliability.

Embrace passion and individuality

“I want young practitioners to see that it’s possible to succeed without sacrificing their personality,” she says. For Josette, it’s crucial to inspire the next generation to embrace their strengths and pursue their own paths. Her legacy is one of innovation, authenticity, and dedication to a profession she deeply loves. “You have to be ready to find your own way and be prepared to face the unknown,” she advises. Josette believes that mentorship is not just about teaching skills but also about instilling confidence in young practitioners. “They need to believe in themselves, even when faced with doubt,” she emphasizes. Through her research, education, and mentorship, Josette aims to create a lasting impact, encouraging future dentists to redefine success on their own terms while staying true to themselves.