Open Up MaryNell Cella

In this episode with Karen Chileuitt, we discuss our shared experience as co-workers during a gap year before dental school. We reflect on how the gap year, which initially felt like a dreaded plan B, ultimately served as the foundation on which academic growth, emotional maturity and meaningful relationships were built.

In this episode, I chat with classmate and friend, Lexi Fuller who is a dental student by day and social media influencer by night. Lexi opens up about a difficult transition to dental school, what she did to overcome it, and gives an honest review of life as a dental student.

In this episode, I sit down with Tommy Bond, an alumnus of Tufts School of Dental Medicine and a 2020 graduate of University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine's specialty program in Orthodontics. Tommy reveals what it takes to match Ortho - one of the most competitive dental specialities. Tommy wears multiple hats - he is a cycle instructor with an energy and motivational teaching style that is hard to come by. Tommy's ability to excel in dental school and residency, while working multiple jobs, is a testament to his work ethic. The first in his family to go to college, Tommy is a self-made orthodontist and his story is an inspiring one. Be sure not to miss our conversation about dental school, match, residency and life beyond school.

In this episode, I catch up with a dear friend, Cara Slugaski, a now D4 at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. We open up about our transition from undergrad to dental school, school culture at Buffalo and Penn, class rank, the importance of a support system and more.

In this episode, I talk with Jelani Brown, a D4 at UB School of Dental Medicine who recently matched in a Pediatric Dentistry program. Jelani opens up about his departure from a career as an electrical engineer and his pursuit of a career in dentistry. We discuss the appeal of pediatric dentistry, the application process, and more.