Jessica Ann Rickert | |
|---|---|
| Born | Michigan |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan School of Dentistry |
| Occupation | Dentist |
| Known for | Being the first female American Indian dentist in America |
Jessica Ann Rickert (born 1950) is an American dentist. She became the first female American Indian dentist in America upon graduating with a DDS from theUniversity of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1975.[1][2][3] She was one of only six women in a class of 140 students.[4] She is a member of thePrairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and a direct descendant of the Indian chiefWahbememe (Whitepigeon).[5][6]
Rickert grew up inWyoming, Michigan.[3] She graduated high school in 1968. Initially dismissed by her high school guidance counselor when she said she wanted to study medicine, Rickert went on to attend theUniversity of Michigan for her undergraduate degree and her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.[3][7]
In the 1980s, Rickert learned fromGeorge Blue Spruce, the first American Indian dentist in the United States and Assistant Surgeon General, that she was the first female American Indian dentist.[7] Additionally, she is also a founder of theSociety of American Indian Dentists, which was founded in 1990, as well as theNative American Student Association.[4][8][7] She encourages American Indians and other underrepresented students to consider dentistry and has worked with theGrand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and theSaginaw Chippewa tribes for education and dental services.[7][5]
Rickert received theAmerican Dental Association's Access Recognition Award in 2005 for her dental advice column featured in American Indian newspapers.[7]
She was inducted into theMichigan Women's Hall of Fame in 2009.[4]
In 2022, she received theAmerican Dental Education Association’sWilliam J. Gies Award for Achievement.[9]
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