Dr. Yasmina Wright, 2020 Pediatric Dentistry alumna (Children’s Dental health Center- Nashville), recently opened her own private practice to serve the community that she grew up in! Dr. Wright was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, so it made perfect sense for her to return and practice in Chestnut Hill.
Dr. Wright was recently featured in the local newspaper (linked below), and also agreed to do a Q&A with us!
Q: Tell us a little about your dental career. What led you do where you are today?
A: I was part of the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program, so I worked as a General Dentist for 6 years after graduating. I worked in both community health centers as well as private practices, and from my experience, I found that I was very comfortable treating children and special needs patients. Working with them inspired me to want to learn more about the proper care to give them, and I knew that they were a population that I wanted to help. I was taking CE courses to further advance my knowledge, but knew that I wanted to become a specialist down the line, so I applied to pediatric dentistry residency programs.
Q: Why did you choose to do a residency with NYU Langone?
A: I wanted to be part of a program that was heavily clinical and allowed self direction, and hearing from graduates of the program, this seemed like just what I was looking for!
Q: What’s a favorite memory from your time with the program?
A: I worked with 2 other co-residents and we were often called the 3 musketeers. Broadly speaking, I really enjoyed how we were able to bring our varied experiences together to further enhance each other’s learning. We always helped one another, within the set guidelines- but in different ways. I think we all learned a lot from each other, and I really appreciated that.
I maintained a great relationship with them, and the attendings as well! I actually just sent over a case to the attending from my residency. It’s great to keep in touch and help each other out.
Q: What are your next steps in your dental career?
A: I wanted to create my own niche, so having my own practice has been a great achievement. I am able to really figure out how I am as a Pediatric Dentist by finding out and sticking to what I stand by, and what I’m comfortable with practicing within my own private practice. I’m still furthering my dental education- I take CE courses on Tongue Ties, Airways, etc.
I hope to continue further developing my dental identity in this community!
Q: Lastly, any advice for applicants and residents?
A: Always be flexible! Be open, be teachable to what the experience can bring you!