Dr. ArNelle Wright: Spear Online Member, Social Media Influencer, and Mentor

“The Daily Dentist” and Spear Online member Dr. ArNelle Wright talks mentorship, social media, and her Spear Education experience

Spear Online member and the creative mind behind The Daily Dentist on Instagram, Dr. ArNelle Wright shares how her journey in dentistry has been shaped by mentorship, education, and her thriving social media presence in hopes that other young dentists and those new to the industry will also excel.

A mentorship-driven path

Dr. Wright, who believes in the transformative power of mentorship, asserts that mentorship should create a ripple effect, with mentors having their own mentors.

Early in her career, her mentor helped her focus on practice management, patient care, staffing challenges, and continuing education. That’s also when she introduced Dr. Wright to Spear Education. “She told me Spear was coming to Orlando and that I needed to be in the room to hear how they present treatment,” recalls Dr. Wright. “When I went there for the a treatment planning workshop, I ran into about five of my former classmates from dental school. It was wonderful! The main thing that stood out to me while I was there was the way the material was presented, the energy behind it, the passion, and enthusiasm.”

This type of community and those connections so early in her career were transformative for Dr. Wright.

Community is key

With the support of her mentor, Dr. Wright found herself invited into a Spear Study Club, a pivotal step in her professional growth. Within this small group, she discovered a shared vision of co-creating success with other general practitioners and specialists — a journey that has enhanced her appreciation for consensus-driven decisions and personal development. “Walking into a safe space and being able to share what you don’t know and how you would have approached treatment over wine, cheese, and dinner is really phenomenal,” she shared.

When it comes to her goals and practice management, the importance of community continues for Dr. Wright. “My team is #1. I read a Spear Online article about psychological safety in practice, and it transformed my perspective: I even printed it out and handed it to my team,” she noted.

She continued by explaining, “In dentistry we have so many moving parts, and if someone is dealing with something in their personal life, then their head isn’t in the game, so psychological safety is really #1.” Dr. Wright has also relied heavily on team-building courses within the Spear Online platform to help her staff feel more connected and supported.

Self-assessment and self-care are essential

A key piece of advice Dr. Wright offers to new dentists is the importance of self-assessment. She encourages those fresh in their career to identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

“We all have something we can improve upon. Just sharing that with your mentor and realizing that they’re there to help you is important. They can’t help you if they’re unaware of what you’re struggling with,” she explained.

Dr. Wright also asserted the importance of self-care, particularly for health care professionals. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, going on vacations, and paying attention to ergonomic considerations, thus ensuring both physical and mental well-being.

Combining clinical excellence and social media

Dr. Wright’s journey transcends clinical expertise; she’s also a thriving presence in the digital landscape. Since creating her Instagram account while still in dental school, she has gained recognition as an influential figure in the dental social media community. Her online presence combines professional insight with personal charisma to help women in health care live and lead well.

She underscores the ethical aspect of utilizing social media, reminding dental professionals to maintain respect for patient privacy and adhere to regulatory standards. Dr. Wright emphasizes the significance of balancing fun and professionalism on social media platforms.

She also wants clinicians to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to jump in and give social media a try with their practice. “You’d be surprised — there are so many people who are interested in what we have to say,” she said. “Whether it’s about oral health, running a practice, or continuing to evolve as a practitioner, they’re listening and waiting for someone to share what they’re interested in. Put yourself out there. Just start by posting pictures of what’s happening in your day-to-day in your office, and get your team involved.”

Spear Education: Shaping a dental leader

With an array of resources and a supportive community, Spear Education has played a pivotal role in Dr. Wright’s professional journey.

For those considering joining Spear, Dr. Wright’s advice is straightforward: “Definitely do it! It’s a whole additional world! Create space to take courses, do workshops, and go out to campus. I loved being at the Spear campus and I plan to make more of a vacation out of it with my family the next time I go,” she explained.

Dr. Wright’s success exemplifies how a combination of mentorship, clinical excellence, and a strong social media presence can elevate a dentist’s career. Her insights are a welcomed guide to those starting their careers, reminding them to prioritize mentorship, self-assessment, self-care, and ethical professionalism in both clinical practice and the digital sphere.

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