The Making of a Sports Dentistry Leader: Dr. Mark Roettger’s Story

Sports dentistry used to be bunch of older dentists sitting in a room talking about football, but that’s changed since the 1980’s. We live in a different world now. Today, athletes are supported and taken care of in much more comprehensive ways. With bigger teams behind them, they are achieving higher goals, inspiring others and creating sensational outcomes. Dr. Mark Roettger started out like any new dentist--graduating from school with so many different paths to from which to choose.

Using his mentors for guidance, he developed an interest in oral surgery and sports dentistry. But continuing post dental school at a time when his newborn and wife where at home never seeing their father or husband was not what they wanted, so he chose general dentistry. Sharing his honest, insightful story, you will learn about his journey from new graduate to becoming the Head Medical GPR Program Director at the University of Minnesota.

In between, he explains his journey, including why he is referred to as Rocket Man to some, and how sports dentistry was integral in how he adapted to the trials, frustrations and successes. He discusses resistance and pushback from physicians, patients, and the state of Minnesota in his efforts to protect and inform athletes. He shares how it helped him grow his practice, create value and immense professional and personal satisfaction.

His message is simply this: Everything you learn from the community in the Academy for Sports Dentistry will make you a better, more complete dentist. This is why we are a part of the organization, and that’s why joining makes a difference.

We know you will learn something new and hope to welcome you into the Academy for Sports Dentistry.