About Dena Marcus, DDS

Growing up on Long Island, New York, I often worked as a dental assistant for my dad, who was a general dentist. Even though his plan for me to follow in his footsteps eventually worked, I pursued my dream of a career as a photographer first. I attended the School of Visual Arts and graduated with a B.F.A. in Photography in 1994. I specialized in documentary and portraiture. While freelancing for various magazines, I came to San Francisco on an assignment. I realized instantly that I belonged in Northern California and decided to move out to San Francisco. After working as a photographer and supplementing my income with temporary jobs, I landed a position at the University of California San Francisco Dental School. I ultimately decided it was time to return to school and become a dentist. I graduated in 2003 from the University of the Pacific Dental School (now known as Dugoni School of Dentistry). After four years at a family practice, as well as a children’s mobile dental health clinic that services all of Monterey County, I decided I wanted to move up to wine country and pursue my own dental practice. I positioned myself in Napa for the search. For nine months I worked both in private practice and Sister Ann’s Community Dental Clinic while searching for the place to call home. As soon as I walked into the reception area of Dr. Christopher Neale’s Sonoma office and saw the huge salt water tank with clown fish and coral, I knew I had found my professional home. I also have a space to display some of my artwork, which currently features landscapes of Sonoma County. I love living and working in this close-knit community.