18 JULY 2026 T o capture the scope and impact that Dr. Mark Stieg has had on generations of Arcadia families is near impossible. He isn’t certain how many youngsters and adults he has treated in his orthodontic practice over the past 38 years. “I’m not sure of the actual number but I would say that it includes multiple generations,” he said modestly. The fact that he went into dentistry is a bit of serendipity. When he was young, his mother needed an emergency root canal. So, at the spur of the moment, he drove her to the dentist and watched the procedure. “I thought the timing of that was interesting. It was a weekend and our dentist trusted me to assist him as he had no staff,” he remembers. Stieg considers that a turning point. “We have these little tipping points in our life, and we need to pay attention to them.” Stieg was born in Columbus, Ohio and also lived in Cedar Rapids. His parents relocated to Scottsdale in 1964 where he and his brother, Scott, were raised. He attended Scottsdale High and then ASU where he majored in microbiology. Stieg then earned a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from Ohio State University and a Master of Science in Orthodontics at University of Iowa, where he did his residency. He initially planned on being a general dentist but then decided an orthodontic practice might be a better fit after he received some sage advice from one of his professors. “He told me that ‘orthodontists as a whole love what they do,’ and that had a real impact on me. And true enough, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my career and would do it all over again,” Stieg said, adding, “People are the X-factor in my work and are the reason it is so very pleasurable.” The feelings have been mutual. “We were fortunate to be referred to Dr. Stieg 26 years ago when my daughter needed braces. I decided to get them at the same time, making it a father-daughter experience. All these years later, we are grateful we ended up with beautiful smiles – and a good friend,” neighbor Mike Flynn said. When he isn’t crisscrossing town treating patients at three Stieg and Wachtel Orthodontics offices, or teaching at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine, he is involved in a myriad of community activities. He is a longtime member of the Scottsdale Charros and past president of the Scottsdale Unified School District Foundation. “I love teaching and mentoring the next generation of dentists and orthodontists. I hope to have a positive impact on these students and help them achieve their professional goals,” he said. Stieg met his wife, Kathy, when they were in high school and continued dating while at ASU. They have been married for 46 years and have two children, Kelli and Matt. His advice for the next generation is straightforward. “Play to your strengths and you will be successful. And don’t give up on the things you feel are most important to you.” Stieg’s hobbies are many. Foremost among them are college football – particularly cheering his alma mater, snow skiing, ranching and golf. Asked about any guilty pleasures and he reports he has one that stands out: “I’m a total sweet tooth and have the fillings to prove it,” he said, laughing. “Cupcakes are my absolute favorite!” Dr. Mark Stieg Play to your strengths and you will be successful. High Place 1/2 H

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