Stephen M. Pachuta

Stephen Michael Pachuta (born 1960) is a retired United States Navy rear admiral. He served as the 37th Chief of the United States Navy Dental Corps. Pachuta retired from the Navy in December 2017, after 32 years of military service. He currently serves as Dean of his alma mater, the West Virginia University School of Dentistry.

Early life and education Stephen Pachuta was raised in Beckley, West Virginia, He earned his D.D.S. from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1985.

After he received his commission in the United States Navy, he completed his residency training at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School in 1994, and also earned a Master of Science in Health Sciences from George Washington University.

After Retirement Pachuta is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Dental Association, the Academy of Operative Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He is a fellow of the International College of Dentists Since June 2021, Pachuta has been serving as Dean of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry.

Honors, awards, and decorations Stephen Pachuta's military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and other lower personal awards as well as unit awards and campaign medals. He is authorized to wear the Fleet Marine Force Officer Insignia as well as the Surface Warfare Medical Department Officer Insignia. In 2015, he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus at his alma mater, the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Additionally, he is also the recipient of the Outstanding Clinical Competency Award, the Restorative Dentistry and Removable Prosthodontics awards, and the Oral Medicine Award.