Dr. Marc Ottenga earned his BA in Microbiology in 1977 and his DDS in 1980 from The Ohio State University in Columbus. He joined the Operative Dentistry Department in 2004 and is a clinical associate professor. In 2006, he was voted Teacher of the Year by the students and is serving as the Faculty Advisor for the Class of 2009.
Where were you born?
Charleroi, Pa, near Pittsburgh (Go Steelers!)
What made you decide to go into dentistry or into your current field?
I wanted to save the world, one tooth at a time. No, really, I knew that I wanted to be in a health related field and we had some friends of the family as I was growing up that were dentists. I spent some time in their offices, enjoyed the atmosphere and thought that the people involved in their practices were great. That, along with my desire to do work that involved working with my hands, led me toward dentistry.
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
My transition from private practice to dental education
If you could live anywhere on earth (and money was no issue) where would you choose to live?
Monterey, California (overlooking the eighteenth hole at Pebble Beach)
How do you most like to spend your free time?
GOLFING
What was the last book you read?
A New Earth (Awakening Your Life’s Purpose) by Eckhart Tolle
Who are your heroes in real life?
My father, who passed 22 years ago. He was a great guy, and I am trying to be more like him as time passes.
What natural gift would you most like to possess?
A golf swing that produces a natural draw.
What is your motto?
It is more of a saying: Success is having what you want. Happiness is wanting what you’ve got. Be happy.