After more than three decades of leadership and innovation, Lindauer steps down as chair of the Department of Orthodontics.

After 36 years as a cornerstone of VCU School of Dentistry’s Department of Orthodontics —including 25 years as chair— Steven J. Lindauer, D.M.D., M.D.Sc. is retiring, effective October 31. 

Lindauer has helped shape the program's national and international reputation, mentoring generations of residents, and advancing the specialty through his research, teaching and vision.

Lyndon F. Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of VCU School of Dentistry, said that Lindauer has exemplified excellence and dedication, leaving a lasting impact at VCU School of Dentistry.

"Dr. Lindauer has been an extraordinary leader, educator and mentor throughout his tenure at VCU and as chair of the Department of Orthodontics," said Cooper. "His dedication to academic excellence, patient care and faculty development has left a lasting impact on our school and the profession. We are deeply grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement."

How one year, became 36

It’s a journey that Lindauer never saw coming.

Lindauer graduated from dental school at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 1986, and earned a Master of Science in Dentistry as well as a certificate in the specialty of orthodontics in 1989.

The academic path started after Lindauer received a scholarship for his orthodontics residency that required him to teach for one year.

“I had no interest in being in academics long-term,” said Lindauer. 

After completing his residency, he started interviews for a faculty position to complete his one year commitment.

Lindauer says his first impression of VCU School of Dentistry was a lasting one, recalling his faculty interview with then-chair Robert J. Isaacson, D.D.S., M.S.D., Ph.D.

“He was such an enthusiastic and motivating person,” said Lindauer. “He’d eagerly pull me over to show me the clinic, explain the treatments they were working on, introduce me to the residents like they were the smartest people in the world, and then turn around and introduce me like I was the smartest person in the world. He was just upbeat and deeply optimistic about the ambitious research we could take on.”

It was an opportunity that Lindauer couldn’t pass up. After one year as faculty, he knew VCU School of Dentistry was home.

“I came here to teach one year, but the school was such a great environment, and I actually loved teaching. So after a year, instead of moving back to New York state to open my own practice, I bought a house in Virginia,” said Lindauer. 

Whether it was teaching residents, dental students, providing care or research and writing papers, a career in academia provided Lindauer with the ability to do all the things he loved.

“I think one of the things that's very stimulating about being in an academic environment is that every day you can do something different,” he said.

Lindauer’s career flourished inside the classroom, clinic – and in research. Lindauer became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, president of the North Atlantic Component of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists and the executive secretary of the Virginia Orthodontic Education and Research Foundation. In research, Lindauer has published more than 100 scientific research articles and book chapters.

A new chapter of VCU Orthodontics

In 2000, 11 years into his time at VCU and now a full tenured professor, Lindauer became chair of the Department of Orthodontics following the retirement of his mentor Dr. Isaacson.

As the sole faculty member in the department, Lindauer set out to expand the team by hiring two additional faculty members. In 2002, Eser Tufekci, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., M.S.H.A., and Bhavna Shroff, D.D.S., M.D.Sc., M.P.A., joined the department—bringing stability and continuity for the next 23 years.

Lindauer credits this as one of his biggest achievements in his tenure.

“We now have an international reputation because of the people who are here,” said Lindauer. “Our list of publications is impressive, and our residents have been outstanding. For any teacher, the greatest accomplishment is the people they help shape. The most satisfying part of the job is seeing how much residents grow—from the day they start to the day they graduate.”

During his time as chair, the department has graduated more than 100 residents. 

When asked what impact he hopes to have had on his residents, he reflected:

“The most important thing in your career is maintaining an ethical practice as an orthodontist—and being a good example. I’ve tried to teach them to truly care for their patients, to always do what’s best for them. When you treat people that way, you're going to be successful in life.”

A legacy of excellence

Lindauer retires as the longest tenured chair in the history of the Department of Orthodontics. 

Shroff, director of the orthodontics residency program, has known Lindauer for nearly four decades. She congratulates him on an exceptional tenure as chair.

“I met Dr. Lindauer on the first day of our residency program at the University of Connecticut and the adventure started then,” said Shroff. “We have worked together and traveled the world. He is always smiling and humble and it has been a privilege and an honor to work in his department for the past 23 years. He has made the VCU Department of Orthodontics a world renowned department for its excellence in teaching, research and service to our community.

Looking back on his tenure, Lindauer hopes his time at VCU left a meaningful mark on the department.

"I’d like to be remembered for helping the department thrive during my time here—that it fulfilled its mission and grew into a well-respected, internationally recognized program,” said Lindauer. “I believe our residents received an outstanding education. They left here not only knowledgeable, but confident in their ability to take on responsibility, treat patients effectively, and run their own practices. Ultimately, I hope to be known for contributing to a program that our graduates are proud to have been part of."

One of those proud graduates is Christina Philips, D.D.S., M.S.D. She said Lindauer played an instrumental role in her education and training throughout both dental school and residency, and his mentorship profoundly shaped her decision to pursue a career in academic orthodontics.

"It is difficult to describe the impact Dr. Lindauer has had not only within the VCU School of Dentistry but also on the orthodontic specialty as a whole. He is a humble legend in our profession,” said Philips, who recently joined VCU as an assistant professor in the Department of Orthodontics. “On a more personal level, his steady leadership and genuine joy for the specialty are felt by every student, resident, faculty member and staff member who has had the privilege of working with him.”

What Lindauer says he'll miss most about his job are the people — a tight-knit community and an incredible staff that made every day meaningful.

“It's very hard to leave,” he said. "We’ve built an incredibly strong team. Our staff truly work together—they support one another, treat each other with respect, and genuinely get along. Each of them brings a high level of skill. It’s hard to find such a capable, cohesive, and kind group, and I’m incredibly proud of the team we have."

What’s next

While Dr. Lindauer’s final day as chair is Friday, October 31, he won’t be gone for long—he’ll return the following Monday, November 3, to serve as a volunteer faculty member in the clinic. He will serve in that role once a week.

"After 36 years here at VCU, I am looking forward to ensuring a smooth transition for the department," said Lindauer. “Under new leadership, the dental school and department will continue to evolve with fresh ideas, fueling a path toward the future of dentistry and orthodontics. I am looking forward to watching this happen and being there to help in any way that I can."

In retirement, he’s looking forward to life’s simple pleasures: gardening, yard work, reorganizing his home and spending time with his dog, Baxter.

He also plans to stay professionally active as editor of The Angle Orthodontist, an international journal that receives more than 1,000 submissions each year. In this role since 2012, Lindauer says it’s allowed him to put his undergraduate degree in English to good use.