Dr. Steven Fletcher, clinical professor, has been named Departmental Executive Officer (DEO) of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics following a national search.
Dr. Fletcher succeeds Dr. Kirk Fridrich who has elected to step back to the faculty after 25 years of service as DEO. The college thanks Fridrich for his longstanding leadership and dedication to the department and college.
“Dr. Fletcher is taking the lead of a wonderful department impacting patient care at the college and UIHC. The advanced research, teaching and surgical patient care provided is world class and Dr. Fletcher is positioned to move a great team forward,” says Dean Clark Stanford.
Fletcher is a 2006 University of Iowa alumnus, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the College of Dentistry after completing his undergraduate education at Brigham Young University. He holds board certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and maintains dental and anesthesia licenses in the state of Iowa. In addition to his appointment in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Fletcher is also a clinical professor of hospital dentistry.
His commitment to education and patient-centered care has been recognized with the McLeran Faculty Award from the College of Dentistry. Fletcher is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the Iowa Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Fletcher’s scholarly work includes peer-reviewed publications on surgical outcomes, clinical complications, and airway management, as well as a chapter on pharmacology in Oral Surgery for Dental Students: A Quick Reference Guide. His academic and clinical contributions reflect the department’s emphasis on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
As DEO, Fletcher will oversee the department’s clinical, educational, and research missions at UIHC and at the College of Dentistry - supporting faculty development and resident education.