Our Dentists

Dr. Mark Wainright

D.D.S., M.S., F.A.G.D.

mark@northraleighdentist.com

Dr. Mark Wainright is a Raleigh native who pairs a passion for oral health with a gift for patient education. He earned his B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and went on to complete an M.S. in Chemistry with a focus on inorganic synthesis. His graduate thesis, “Labilization of Nitrosyl by Phosphines: An NMR Study of Cyclopentadienyl Complexes of Rhenium,” reflects his commitment to rigorous science, and he was recognized in his thesis program with the “Graduate Teaching Excellence” award—an early sign of the educator he is today.

Dr. Wainright received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from West Virginia University, where he earned the “Excellence in Implantology” pre-doctoral achievement award. In 2005, he was nominated by Dr. Gordon Christensen for the Dentsply/Tulsa “Top 50 New Dentists” award.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Wainright has pursued advanced training to bring the best of modern dentistry to his patients, including Invisalign^®, CEREC^® CAD/CAM restorations, 3D X-ray imaging, dental lasers, and conscious sedation for patients with dental anxiety. He is trained in the surgical placement and restoration of dental implants and is the only general dentist credentialed to see patients at the Surgical Center for Dental Professionals (BlueCloud Surgical) in downtown Raleigh. In 2020, Dr. Wainright achieved Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD)—a distinction held by only about 6% of dentists—demonstrating tested proficiency across 17 disciplines of dentistry.

Dr. Wainright is an active member of the American Dental Association, North Carolina Dental Society, Raleigh–Wake County Dental Society, Seattle Study Club, and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, keeping him closely connected to innovation and best practices in the field.

Committed to service, he volunteers with Wake Smiles, Urban Ministries Project Access, Freedom Day USA, and North Carolina Missions of Mercy.

Outside the office, Dr. Wainright enjoys time with his wife and two children, cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes, following NCAA basketball and Formula 1 racing, exploring new trends in science and technology, and cooking!

Dr. Matthew Wassel

D.D.S.

matt@northraleighdentist.com

Dr. Kelly Prettyman

D.D.S.

kelly@northraleighdentist.com

Dr. Kelly Prettyman is a Raleigh native and a graduate of Sanderson High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology, with a minor in Spanish, from North Carolina State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She then received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Following dental school, Dr. Prettyman completed a General Practice Residency at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Washington, DC, where she further advanced her clinical skills and comprehensive approach to patient care.

Committed to lifelong learning, Dr. Prettyman is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the North Carolina Dental Society, the Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society, and the Seattle Study Club.

Since joining the practice in 2017 after Dr. Bruce’s retirement, Dr. Prettyman has continued the tradition of personalized, compassionate care and is dedicated to providing a comfortable, positive dental experience for every patient.

Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Drew, their daughters, Ansley and Grier, and their dog, Woody.

Dr. Emily Pope

D.D.S.

pope@northraleighdentist.com

Dr. Emily Pope is a North Carolina native who grew up in Wilson and later moved to the Triangle to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery. A proud Tar Heel, Dr. Pope is passionate about providing thoughtful, high-quality care to patients in the Raleigh community she now calls home.

Before dental school, Dr. Pope gained valuable hands-on experience working in a pediatric dental office in Raleigh, where she developed a strong foundation in patient-centered care. That experience—and her connection to the area—led her to return after graduation to begin her career.

Dr. Pope is committed to continuing education and stays current with the latest advancements in dentistry to ensure her patients receive the best possible care. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the North Carolina Dental Society, the Raleigh-Wake County Dental Society, and the Seattle Study Club.

Known for her gentle approach and attention to detail, Dr. Pope prioritizes creating a comfortable, positive experience for every patient. She believes in listening closely, educating thoroughly, and partnering with patients to help them achieve lasting oral health and confident smiles.

Outside the office, Dr. Pope enjoys traveling, exploring Raleigh’s vibrant dining scene, and spending time with her husband, Wes, their son, Vance, and their two chocolate labs, Weller and Gus. She also cherishes time spent with family in Oak Island.