Dr. Wallace J. Bellamy, DMD

My name is Wallace Bellamy, and I am honored to serve as the 102nd President of the National Dental Association.

My journey to dentistry and leadership is both interesting and compelling. I am a first-generation dentist with an aesthetic and general dental practice in Elk Grove, a suburb of Sacramento, California. Along with my brother Fred, I am the first in both my immediate and extended family to graduate from college—California State University, Sacramento. However, my story begins well before college.

A chance appointment with a caring dentist led to an opportunity to shadow him between two-a-day football practices during my sophomore and junior years of high school. By the end of that two-week summer experience, I knew I wanted to become a dentist.

I am the son of a career U.S. Air Force Sergeant and aircraft mechanic, born in New York City. Because of my father's service, I lived throughout the United States and Europe. I later graduated from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and returned to Sacramento to begin my private practice.

I never considered myself a leader during college or dental school. However, a mentor and friend recognized leadership potential in me as I was building my practice and encouraged me to become involved in organized dentistry.

Since then, I have had the privilege of serving in several leadership roles, including President of the Sacramento Society of the National Dental Association; President of the Sacramento District Dental Society; Vice Regent for the Northern California Region of the International College of Dentists; Chair of the Leadership Development Committee for the California Dental Association; and one of twelve Directors of the California Dental Association.

Beyond dentistry, I am the father of three independent young women, a horseman and cowboy (a term historically rooted in men and women of color), a vintner, an avid reader, and a traveler. Above all, I still love what I do—caring for patients and connecting with people.

Please reach out to me throughout the year. I am committed to meeting and engaging with all members and prospective members as we work together to create meaningful change and deliver exceptional value to your NDA experience.