Stephen J. Stefanac, D.D.S., M.S., clinical professor of dentistry in the School of Dentistry, retired from active faculty status on December 31, 2021.

Dr. Stefanac received his B.S. (1976) degree from the University of Michigan and his D.D.S. (1980) degree from the University of Detroit. After working in private practice, Dr. Stefanac received his M.S. (1987) degree in oral diagnosis from the University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry. He joined the faculty of the University of Detroit Mercy’s School of Dentistry and served as an assistant professor (1987-92), associate professor (1992-98), and director of oral medicine (1987-98). Dr. Stefanac joined the faculty of the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry as a clinical professor (1998-2004) and served as an assistant dean (1998-2001) and associate dean (2001-04) for patient care/services. Dr. Stefanac joined the University of Michigan faculty in 2004 as a clinical professor and associate dean for patient services of the School of Dentistry. He served as the senior associate dean of the School of Dentistry from 2014-19.

Dr. Stefanac’s service and research focused on clinical care management, patient outcomes and care of medically compromised patients. He has authored or co-authored many scholarly publications and is a lead author and editor of a widely used textbook, Treatment Planning in Dentistry 3rd ed. 2017 (4th edition is in production). As part of the leadership team at the School of Dentistry, he was the clinical lead for implementing electronic patient records and digital imaging, led the BlueRenew clinic design and equipment selection for a $140 million school-wide renovation, which included a clinic for patients with special needs. Nationally, he has participated extensively in dental school accreditations, journal article reviews and academic dental organizations. He was significantly involved with two accreditation site visits for the School of Dentistry. He is a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentists. Throughout his career he has actively taught oral diagnosis and patient treatment topics to dental students and residents and has mentored multiple students as part of the University of Michigan Pathways program and has received several student-nominated teaching awards throughout his career.

The Regents now salute this distinguished faculty member by naming Stephen J. Stefanac, clinical professor emeritus of dentistry.