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The Tostado Take: Breaking the Mold by Dr. Julia Tostado

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Categories: Orthodontics;
The Tostado Take: Breaking the Mold 

What it’s like to be a young female orthodontist

by Dr. Julia Tostado

Dr. Julia Tostado offers a fresh perspective on life as a young female orthodontist, balancing clinical precision with the realities of building a career, finding confidence, and defining success on her own terms.

I remember sitting in my dad’s orthodontic chair when I was probably 5 years old, not as a patient, but pretending to be the doctor, watching my grandfather and dad, and trying to be like them. Our family reunion conversations were sprinkled with words like “malocclusion” and “extractions.” Dentistry wasn’t just a profession in our house; it was a way of life. My grandfather, uncle, cousins, and brother all followed the same path, each becoming dentists or specialists.

So naturally, when I decided to become a dentist and orthodontist, no one was surprised.

I’m 32 now, and the first woman in a long line of male dental professionals in my family. While my family’s support has never wavered, stepping into this traditionally male-dominated space as a young female orthodontist has come with both unique challenges and incredible opportunities.


Building confidence
Orthodontics is an evolving field. Technology, techniques, and treatment philosophies have changed dramatically in the past decade alone. But while science moves fast, the culture around leadership in the field, especially for women, is still catching up.

In my early years of school, I often walked into classrooms, conferences, and study clubs where the majority of faces were men. In those spaces, I sometimes felt I had to prove myself, to write stronger essays, deliver sharper presentations, and speak a little louder just to be heard and taken seriously. I carried with me the quiet expectation of living up to the example set by the men in my family, and that weight pushed me to work even harder.

Confidence wasn’t something I walked in with; it is something I built slowly. It came with treating my first few patients on my own, managing cases, and hearing patients say they were so happy with their treatment.

But I also had to learn to own my space. Being young and female often meant that patients assumed I was still a student, assistant, or that I was in the office just to help my dad. I still remember the first time a patient said, “Wait, you’re the doctor?” or asked, “Are you just helping your dad here in the office?” Comments like these used to catch me off guard, and they still happen, but now, I’m proud to smile and respond, “Yes, and I’ll be taking great care of you.”

Those moments also made me reflect on my professional identity. Working alongside my father has been an incredible privilege; it’s like having a lifelong mentor. But at times, I’ve struggled with the feeling of being seen as “the orthodontist’s daughter” rather than as a doctor in my own right. That feeling has motivated me to carve out my own path, to build something that reflects my own dedication and values.

Over time, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about being prepared, authentic, and deeply committed to continually learning and growing.


Finding mentors
My dad has been my greatest mentor, and I consider myself incredibly lucky for that. But outside of my family, I craved guidance from women who had walked a similar path, those who understood the unique experience of being both a woman and a leader in the orthodontic or dental field.

That search wasn’t always easy. Female orthodontic mentors are still underrepresented, but they are out there. I’m glad I found lots of them in school as my teachers or even in orthodontic meetings and through social media.

One thing I’ve learned is that mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal. Sometimes it’s the casual advice or the encouraging message from a female colleague who saw your before-and-after photos online. These connections are vital. They create a sense of community in a profession that can sometimes feel isolated, especially in the early years.


Overcoming stereotypes (and using them to fuel growth)
Let’s be real: Stereotypes still exist. Whether it’s second-guessing clinical skill, assumptions about leadership ability, or the ever-present, “Are you planning on having kids soon?” question, women in orthodontics continue to face unspoken expectations.

Balancing ambition and personal life are an ongoing journey. We’re told we can “have it all,” but not always how. I’ve learned that building a practice, a career, and a life you love doesn’t look one specific way. It’s okay to define success on your own terms.


The future is bright
Breaking the mold isn’t about being different; It’s about growing, learning, and embracing who we are. Being a young female orthodontist today is both a challenge and a privilege. We are part of a growing movement where more women are entering the profession, leading practices, heading departments, and innovating in research and technology. The face of orthodontics is changing.

Orthodontics continues to evolve, and so do we as clinicians. To the mentors, thank you. Your visibility lights the way for a lot of us. And let’s all be proud to be part of a community that supports and inspires each other. 
Author Bio
Julia Tostado Dr. Julia Tostado earned her DDS from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León and completed her Master of Science in orthodontics at Centro de Estudios Superiores de Ortodoncia. She currently practices at the family-owned clinic, Tostado Ortodoncia, and shares insights with the orthodontic community through her contributions on Orthotown’s social media.
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