Marilyn Woolfolk graduated from University of Michigan Dental School in 1978, becoming the first dental student to have a child while in school. Woolfolk began to focus on community dentistry, and earned her Masters in Public Health Dentistry. In 2002, she became the first African American women to be a full professor at University of Michigan Dental School. Serving as an assistant dean, Woolfolk found great joy in mentoring other female dentists.