For Maj. Austin Stubbs, DDS, MS, DC, dentistry isn’t confined to the clinic — it’s part of a mission. As a leader in the U.S. Army Dental Corps — he is executive fellow; Office of the Chief, Dental Corps — and a soon-to-be AGD Fellow, Stubbs exemplifies how clinical excellence and military readiness can align to serve both patients and the profession.

“Leadership in the Dental Corps has shown me that excellence, adaptability and mission readiness all go hand in hand,” he said. “It’s not just about being technically proficient; it’s about delivering high-quality care no matter where you are or what challenges you’re facing.” 

Whether operating with limited resources or coordinating complex missions, Stubbs approaches every challenge with a focus on people, trust and purpose. And that people-first mindset extends to his patients. 

“Trust starts the moment the patient sits in the chair,” he explained. “Showing empathy and creating a calm, professional environment helps break down barriers. When you take that time up front, patients walk away with confidence in their care and a stronger commitment to their own health, which has a ripple effect far beyond the dental chair.”

Beyond individual patient experiences, Stubbs has been involved in broader initiatives to improve oral healthcare. He helped spearhead the Fort Stewart Children’s Dental Screening mission, an idea that grew from a small back-to-school event into a scalable model for preventive care and community collaboration.

A strong advocate for lifelong learning, Stubbs pursued his FAGD to deepen his understanding of both the science and philosophy behind dentistry. He hopes to accept his Fellowship at AGD2026 in Las Vegas.

“I’ve always wanted to understand the why, not just the how,” he said. “Continuous learning isn’t just about adding knowledge — it’s about inspiring others to strive for excellence, too.”

Looking ahead, Stubbs is eager to blend advanced clinical practice with operational leadership, mentoring the next generation of Army dental professionals. 

“My goal is to make a real impact by fostering a culture where our teams and patients thrive.”