Northern Virginia Health & Life Magazine: January/February 2010
"Spotlight on Michael Rotter, DDS"

Michael Rotter, DDS

As an undergraduate at Boston University, it became clear to Michael Rotter, DDS, that dentistry was a natural fit for him. “I was drawn to dentistry because I like to build and repair things,” he explains, “and dentistry is a lot like micro-engineering. Plus, I’m a perfectionist.” Despite all the time he spends caring for his patients, Dr. Rotter still goes home and indulges his love of fixing and building. “I always have a project going around the house,” says the father of three, “and I like to do everything myself. Right now, for example, I’m installing solar panels on our roof. It’s better for the environment and the pocketbook.”

Although born and raised in New Jersey, Dr. Rotter has called the Northern Virginia and D.C. area home since he entered Georgetown University Dental School. After graduation, he had more than just professional reasons to stay: “During one Christmas vacation, my classmates and I went on a ski trip where I met my wife, and she’s from the D.C. area,” he explains. Dr. and Mrs. Rotter raised all three of their children in Faifax (the kids are now 24, 27, and 30 years old, and all work in health professions), and look forward to one day enjoying grandchildren here as well. “We’re not grandparents yet,” laughs Dr. Rotter, “but suffice it to say my wife and I are very much looking forward to it! In the meantime we have our dogs.”

Dr. Rotter, on the great outdoors … “While I truly love what I do, dentistry does keep me indoors most of the time. So when I’m not working I tend to choose activities that get me outside like skiing, biking, kayaking, yard work, and hiking in Fountainhead Park with our dogs.”

On being a dentist … “My job is never boring and I have my patients to thank for that. Getting to know and care for so many different people through the years has always been a source of great pleasure for me.”

On giving back … “For the last 20 years I’ve spent every Thursday seeing patients at a community for retired Army officers at Fort Belvoir. There are more than 600 residents, and some are not mobile enough to get to a dentist, so I’m happy to look after them right in their own community.”

On his favorite aspect of dentistry … “If I had to pick one area, it would be cosmetic dentistry. These patients come in because they really want the work done; not because of pain or problems. And afterwards, they’re so happy with their new smiles!”