Introducing Dr. Otis!
Tell us about yourself, Dr. Otis!
I was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, and my family moved to Tennessee right before my freshman year of high school at Collegedale Academy. I earned my BA in Biology at Southern Adventist University and attended dental school and orthodontic residency at Loma Linda University in California.
And now my wife, Jordan, and I are so happy to call Chattanooga home again! We love going to the aquarium with our children, Jack and Aria, and enjoying all the outdoor activities around town. It really is the perfect place to raise a family.
What made you want to become an orthodontist?
Working in a profession where I can serve others and make a positive difference in their life has always been important to me. My father is a general dentist, and I was able to see how he accomplished this in his career.
Growing up, I was a kid who actually wanted braces, so I was extremely disappointed when I was told I didn’t need them! But because all my siblings did, I ended up spending a lot of time in the orthodontist’s office anyway and noticed what a fun, positive environment it was. At that age, I thought being an orthodontist would be a “cool job.” And once I graduated from dental school and began working as a general dentist, it became clear to me that what I enjoyed most in dentistry centered around orthodontics. So I went back to school to make that “cool job” become a reality.
We like where this is going…so what is your favorite part of being an orthodontist?
I honestly think being an orthodontist is the best job in the world. It is extremely rewarding to be a part of someone’s journey in improving their smile and self-confidence. I love the relationships I can build with my patients and the chance to be a positive part of their day. Orthodontics is a space where I feel I can use my time, skills, and talents to positively affect the lives around me, and I love being a part of that process at SCO.
Tyler Prentice, DMD, MS
Board Certified Orthodontist
I am so fortunate to be an orthodontist. It really is the best job in the world. I get to work with a great team and everyday we create beautiful smiles for the nicest people—our patients. The process that we go through together, and the results we achieve, makes it difficult to say goodbye when treatment is complete. It is truly a joy to provide beautiful smiles and see my patients grow and succeed in so many ways.
Outside the Office
I am originally from Canada, born and raised just outside Toronto, Ontario. At 17, I moved down to the Chattanooga area to attend college. It was here where I fell in love with the mountains, rivers and also my future wife, Stacey.
After spending seven years in Birmingham, Alabama, for dental school and orthodontic residency, Stacey and I were thrilled to return home to Chattanooga! (We also brought back a couple of souvenirs – our children Ben and Katie Beth…and have since added another, Will!)
When I’m not enhancing the views of my patients, I enjoy fly fishing, camping and hiking, water and motor sports and generally just spending time outdoors, taking in all that this Scenic City has to offer!
Education
The University of Alabama School of Dentistry, Dept. of Orthodontics
Location: Birmingham, AL | Degree: Masters and Certificate in Orthodontics
The University of Alabama School of Dentistry
Location: Birmingham, AL | Degree: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) • Graduating at the top of the class
Continuing Education
While earning my degrees in dentistry and orthodontics, I was the recipient of several awards recognizing my commitment to excellence in the field in both academics and research. And now I take 50 hours of CE credits every two years to stay current with the scientific and technological changes occurring in the specialty of orthodontics.
Memberships
I am proud to be board certified by the American Board of Orthodontists and am a member of the following organizations:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Southern Association of Orthodontists
- Academy of General Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Tennessee Dental Association
- Chattanooga Area Dental Society
Jennifer Ryan, DMD, MS
Board Certified Orthodontist
Dr. Jennifer was born in McAllen, Texas, and moved to a small town in Georgia at the age of 13. She remained in Georgia through undergraduate school as well as earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Dental College of Georgia. She completed her Orthodontic certification and Master’s degree back in her home state of Texas. She is happy to now call Chattanooga her home. She loves to cuddle up with her two miniature schnauzers or explore the Scenic City for its best slice of pizza with her husband, Wes.
Dr. Bryan Otis, DDS, MS
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania, Dr. Otis’s family moved to Tennessee right before his freshman year of high school at Collegedale Academy. He earned his BA in Biology at Southern Adventist University and earned his certificate in Orthodontics, Masters, and Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loma Linda University in California. He then returned to Chattanooga, along with his wife, Jordan, and their children, Jack and Aria, in what they consider the best place to raise a family. They love going to the aquarium and enjoying all the outdoor activities around town.
