MDA Women in Dentistry
Join the community!
At the MDA, we understand the unique challenges faced by women dentists. That’s why we launched the MDA Women in Dentistry Facebook group — an online community where women dentists from across the state can gather for support, fellowship, and learn about unique educational opportunities that bring harmony to their competing personal and professional priorities.
Upcoming programs
Welcome back to Women In Dentistry, our online community for all women dentists. We start back with our regular sessions with one to fill the “life” bucket that we often discuss in our group. Even if you already utilize the services of a financial planner or handle your investments personally, there’s something in this session for all.
Oct. 27, 2025
Color Code Personality Assessment
Lisa Davis, RDH
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Through the Color Code Personality Assessment, which identifies core motives behind behavior (driven by Power, Intimacy, Peace, or Fun), Lisa Davis helps women recognize their strengths, improve relationships, and lead with confidence. She’s dedicated to creating meaningful connections and inspiring personal growth — one color at a time.
About the speaker … Lisa Davis is a registered dental hygienist and seasoned dental consultant with a passion for helping others understand people — both in and outside the operatory. With years of experience supporting dental teams through Patterson Dental, she combines her clinical background with her deep understanding of communication and personality dynamics.
Nov. 24, 2025
The Interfaith Dental Program: Community in Action
Colette Smiley, DDS
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
The Interfaith Dental Program connects patients with dentists who have volunteered their time and expertise to treat individuals referred to the program by refugee agencies and organizations, faith communities, or through online searches. This program will inform attendees about the inception of this work, its interfaith component, how the program operates, and opportunities for involvement.
About the speaker … Dr. Colette Smiley earned her DDS degree from Marquette University and practiced general dentistry for over 20 years at Smiley Family Dentistry. In addition to her clinical work, she is deeply engaged in community health and advocacy. Dr. Smiley serves as board chair for the Blood Cancer United Michigan-Indiana Region and was a founding chairperson for the Kent County Oral Health Coalition. She also helps guide strategy and service delivery through her work on the Steering Committee of the Interfaith Dental Program, which provides care to refugee populations across Michigan.
Program co-leads
Dr. Margaret Gingrich is a solo private practitioner in Big Rapids who has devoted her professional career to the support of organized dentistry. As a former president of the MDA, she brings a history of dedicated leadership, volunteerism, and support of access-to-care initiatives like the Michigan Mission of Mercy.
Dr. Deb Peters has been an active member and dedicated volunteer with the Michigan Dental Association and organized dentistry for more than 25 years. She formerly served as president of the MDA, speaker of the MDA House of Delegates, member of the MDA Board of Trustees, and chair of the MDA Committee on the New Dentist. Her career has featured outstanding leadership, dependability, and community service.
