Dr. Mark Bronsky (’87) grew up in Binghamton, New York. His father was an orthodontist so it was almost a foregone conclusion that he would follow in his father’s footsteps.

The path he took to get there is interesting if not extraordinary. After graduating from Trinity College in Hartford, CT, Bronsky applied to several dental schools. The UAB School of Dentistry was known then, as it is today, as a research powerhouse, but it was still somewhat off the grid for this northerner. Still, he applied to UAB, only to hear back that he should only apply and interview if he was serious about coming south. Shortly thereafter he was greeted at the School of Dentistry by Dr. David Greer. According to Bronsky, Greer said, “What brings a Yankee like you to the greatest dental school in the south?”.

For Bronsky, he wanted to learn from the best. And that’s exactly what happened. He cited several world-renowned clinicians and researchers who influenced his dental career. He recounted the instruction he received from Drs. Charles “Scotty” McCallum, Arthur Clifford, Victor Matukas, Leonard Robinson, and Peter Waite. “I just knew this was the best place for me. I loved the fact that there were professors from all over the world who taught at UAB, and the fact that we (learned) great discipline from several ex-military,” he said. “I also loved my interactions with the Department of Endodontics. I almost became an endodontist. Drs. Larry Alley and Bob Barfield were very influential in my education”. He was involved in numerous organizations as a student. Bronsky was president of the UAB School of Dentistry Student Government Association, and he served on the search committee for the UAB President.

After earning his DMD from UAB, he decided to pursue his orthodontics residency at UNC Chapel Hill under legendary department Chair Dr. Bill Proffit. When he completed his residency, he moved for a short period back to Birmingham to practice orthodontics, but his home state of New York was beckoning him back. But even as he moved back to New York, Bronsky knew he had the best clinical foundation possible. “I learned from the best and I learned clinically always to give one thousand percent,” said Bronsky.

For the first few years in New York, Dr. Bronsky held various positions at area hospitals. He quickly found out his clinical training put him ahead of most of his contemporaries. The hospitals weren’t performing orthodontic surgeries, so he filled a niche. Ultimately, he wanted to have his own orthodontic practice. He actually signed a lease on an uptown office in August of 2001. Of course, the attacks on 9-11 occurred one month later on September 11, 2001. As he recounts that day, he remembered picking up one of his kids at school, so he was not in the office that day, but the memory of 9-11 is there, and he’s thankful he was able to grow that first practice, located on Park Avenue. “I came here to give myself the biggest challenge possible, and to see if I could do it. I learn more here in a week than I would elsewhere in a month,” he said. Since that time, Bronsky has opened a second orthodontic practice in Tribeca. His involvement in dentistry goes beyond office hours. He served as president of the New York Academy of General Dentistry and remains involved with that organization along with the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontics. He is also an adjunct faculty with the Weil Cornell Medical College and Mount Sinai Hospital.

A running enthusiast and self-proclaimed “foodie”, Mark Bronsky loves New York and all the big city has to offer. He and his wife have children and they enjoy spending time together as a family. When visiting either of his offices, one will immediately pick up on two of Bronsky’s hobbies or passions. He has an amazing collection of black and white photography of numerous Rock n’ Roll legends. During the day, he plays his favorite satellite radio station “Deep Tracks”, and he is quick to tell you his favorite performers are U2 and the Rolling Stones. Dr. Bronsky has shown no signs of slowing down. He loves the work he does and the relationships he has with his patients. And with a satisfying grin, he said “I’m just getting good at this”.