New dentists, here's how to crush your first (or your next) five years
What do Drs. ArNelle Wright and James Wanamaker have in common? They're both absolutely crushing their careers out of the gate. If you're a young dentist —heck—if you're a seasoned dentist and want to do the same, join us for this episode now.
Learn what they have and are doing in common, from building a support network (when you might not have one), making hard choices about your career path, avoiding burnout and maintaining your mental health, and more. These are insights a dentist at ANY stage of their career can use.
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About our guests
ArNelle Wright, DMD, MS, is the wife of Claude Jr., a mother of two, and a general dentist by trade. She is best known socially as The Daily Dentist, where she serves, teaches, and inspires pre-dental students, current dental students, and practicing dentists. She excels in her role as a clinician, and is passionate about her work as both a mentor doctor and an educator in the personal growth and professional leadership space.
She is a first-generation college student, who, from childhood “simply wanted to change her family tree” through postsecondary education. Upon entry into The University of Florida, becoming a doctor was the furthest thing from her mind. However, she began to explore dentistry as a career and committed to its pursuit during her junior year. Dr. Wright has managed to clear seemingly insurmountable hurdles, including multiple denials from dental schools throughout the U.S., challenges with standardized testing, and a purported learning disability. Despite the obstacles, Dr. Wright persevered with intention. She leaned into her purpose and dreams, and surpassed all expectations she had for herself, and those expressed by her family.
James Wanamaker, DDS, grew up in Camillus, New York. He began his education at Christian Brothers Academy then continued to Le Moyne College. He graduated cum laude from Le Moyne College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Business Management. Dr. Wanamaker then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2016 with a concentration in pediatric dentistry. While at Buffalo, he served in multiple roles in organized dentistry, including National Chair of the Council on Advocacy for the American Student Dental Association. Dr. Wanamaker was awarded the Dean’s Award in 2016.
Following dental school, he then completed a post-doctoral General Practice Residency at SUNY Upstate Hospital and the Syracuse VA Hospital. He has completed additional training in Invisalign, advanced dentistry at the Dawson Academy, and surgical implant placement at the Brighterway Institute. Dr. Wanamaker also lectures across the country for IgniteDDS.com, a dental education company.
