Dr Stephen J. Burds

Dr. Burds has known he wanted to be a dentist since elementary school. His father had inconsistent dental care growing up on a farm in northeast Iowa. After landing a job with a telephone company that carried dental insurance, Dr. Burds’ father found a dentist who helped him save his teeth. Upon realising the benefits of regular dental care and a healthy mouth, his father began to speak highly of their family dentist–comments that left a mark on an impressionable young boy. As his interest in math and science grew, so did Dr. Burds’ aspiration to become a dentist. After graduating from Hempstead High School (Dubuque, Iowa), Dr. Burds went on to attend the University of Iowa and earned a degree in Biochemistry. This foundation led him to the University of Iowa-College of Dentistry, where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2001. His professional affiliations include membership in the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the G.V. Black Study Club, and the Spear Study Club. Dr. Burds served as president of the Iowa Academy of General Dentistry from 2005 to 2006. He became a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2018-a milestone that requires over 1,100 hours of continuing education. Dr. Burds strongly believes in helping the less fortunate members of his community. He has been a Donated Dental Services volunteer since 2005. To give back to his community, Dr. Burds has volunteered with the Smile Squad and Donated Dental Services. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Burds’ favourite activity is spending time with his wife, Colin, and their four children. His other interests include coaching youth basketball, cycling, skiing, gardening, and watching his children in their activities. Dr. Burds has been a lifelong fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Chicago Cubs, and the Green Bay Packers.