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Michael L. Winstead, DMD, MD, MBA, Named Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Medicine, Knoxville (UT Health Sciences COM-Knoxville) has named Michael L. Winstead, DMD, MD, MBA, Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, effective October 1, 2026. Dr. Winstead succeeds Jack E. Gotcher, DMD, PhD, who has served as Interim Chair since May 2025.

Dr. Winstead brings extensive experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery, head and neck oncology, microvascular reconstruction, medical education, and academic leadership to the role. He currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and as Program Director for both the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency and the Oral, Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship.

Since joining the faculty in 2023, Dr. Winstead has played an active role in advancing the department’s clinical and educational missions. He serves as Director of the Head and Neck Tumor Board at the University of Tennessee Medical Center and is a member of several institutional committees, including the Medical Executive Committee, Clinical Cancer Committee, Operating Room Committee, and Graduate Medical and Dental Education Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors for University Physicians Association.

A Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Winstead specializes in reconstructive surgery of the head, neck, and face. His clinical expertise includes the surgical treatment of benign and malignant head and neck tumors, microvascular reconstruction, nerve repair, facial trauma, and complex jaw reconstruction. He is also an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.

"We are excited that Dr. Winstead has taken on the role of Chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. His experience within the department and the critical role its faculty play in the delivery of care at UT Medical will ensure a culture of clinical and academic excellence in the department for which it is nationally recognized," said Jonathan S. Wall, PhD, Interim Dean. "We also want to thank Dr. Gotcher for his years of dedication, service, and leadership to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and who has ensured that Dr. Winstead takes the reins of a successful and productive department."

Before returning to Knoxville as a faculty member, Dr. Winstead completed a fellowship in Oral, Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. He also served as a clinical faculty member at John Peter Smith Health Network, Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center, and Cook Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Winstead earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Columbus State University and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia, now Augusta University. He later earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences and his Master of Business Administration degree from Columbus State University. He completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency and a General Surgery Internship at the UT Health Sciences COM-Knoxville.

An active educator and researcher, Dr. Winstead has delivered presentations on head and neck reconstruction, surgical oncology, nerve grafting, facial trauma, and practice management. He has authored and co-authored numerous journal articles and book chapters addressing oral cancer surgery, microvascular reconstruction, facial trauma, cranial nerve management, and immediate dental rehabilitation following jaw reconstruction. He also serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and build upon the strong foundation established by those who have led the department before me. We have tremendous opportunities for growth, and I look forward to working with our faculty, residents, fellows, staff, and colleagues across the university and medical center to strengthen our clinical programs, advance surgical education, and grow our academic mission," said Dr. Winstead. "Most importantly, I look forward to orchestrating the continued development of a department where talented people have the opportunity and support to do exceptional work."

Dr. Winstead follows Dr. Gotcher, whose decades of service have helped shape the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery’s clinical and educational programs. UT Health Sciences COM-Knoxville thanks Dr. Gotcher for his leadership as Interim Chair and looks forward to the department’s continued growth and success under Dr. Winstead’s leadership.

Posted October 1, 2026