Born in Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Arlene Lester completed her dental studies at the historic Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry where she holds Adjunct Associate Professorship. Arlene earned a Master of Public Health in Behavioral Science and Health Education from Emory University. She is a Diplomat in the American Board of Dental Public Health, with residency obtained at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA.

For over two decades (now currently on a part-time basis), Arlene has served the East Atlanta Dental Care Center that since 1986 has blended individual and population-based care. A recipient of various service and professional awards, Dr.Lester is an Officer in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (rank of Captain), and holds active membership in the American Dental Association, the National Dental Association, and the American Association of Public Health Dentistry.