A native of Augusta, Dr. Trotter attended the University of Georgia and graduated from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in 1973. Upon graduation he was elected to membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. After practicing general dentistry for six years, he returned to MCG for a two-year residency in orthodontics and has been in the private practice of orthodontics since 1981. He is also designated as part-time assistant professor of orthodontics at MCG.

He is one of 25% of the nation's orthodontists who have achieved certification by the America Board of Orthodontics. He is past president of the Augusta Dental Society and the School of Dentistry Alumni Association. He is a recipient of the MCG School of Dentistry Distinguished Alumnus Award and the Georgia Dental Association Honorable Fellow Award. His is a member of the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, the Augusta Dental Society and was elected to Fellowship in the American College of Dentists. He is also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Sourthern Association of Orthodontists, and the Georgia Association of Orthodontists.

He is a member of the Augusta Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Mary-on-the Hill Catholic Church and is an avid golfer.

He and his wife, Anne, have three sons, Jim, Dennis, Paul and three grandchildren.