J. Michael Steffen (BS ’72)

Retired Oklahoma orthodontist J. Michael Steffen, DDS, MS, has helped spread smiles across the state since 1974.

Steffen (BS ’72) has given the gifts of confidence and orthodontics relief for thousands of patients through The Brace Place, the Edmond and Clinton, Oklahoma-based orthodontics practices he opened in 1974 and 1975, respectively.

After graduating from UCO with his bachelor’s in biology, Steffen obtained a degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

With a commitment to community service, Steffen served from 2014-15 as president of the Oklahoma Dental Foundation, a branch of the Oklahoma Dental Association focused on eliminating barriers to oral health care. He also has been a board member with both the Oklahoma City Rescue Mission and Reaching our City.

With gratitude to his alma mater, he has been a UCO supporter for more than 40 years. Steffen and his wife of 47 years, Kathryn, generously contribute to the university through philanthropy, scholarships, mentorship and volunteerism. He also serves on the UCO Foundation Board of Trustees.

In his retirement, Steffen is writing a book, “Survival of Old Age,” and through this, he has had time to reflect on his life and his journey.

“It is important to share the knowledge you’ve gained before you are no longer able to,” Steffen says. “If you have a chance to make a difference in a lot of people’s lives, why not?”