Our Doctors
Dr. Nathan Schroder, DMD, MS, FACS
Dr. Nathan Schroeder is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over a decade in practice. As a specialist and partner with AOS, he assists Peoria and Galesburg patients by promoting the comfort, function, and aesthetics of their dental needs.
As an oral surgeon and a leader in the field, Dr. Schroeder applies his skills to a variety of procedures, including dental implant placement, wisdom tooth removal, tooth extractions, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery. Patients frequently rely on him for treatment because of his focus on high- quality care, his years of experience, and his accomplishments in the profession.
Personally, Dr. Nathan Schroeder enjoys spending time with his children, getting outdoors, and taking part in competitive sports. He welcomes the opportunity to meet you at our practice and to provide you with exceptional care.
Dr. Schroeder completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Idaho with a double major in biochemistry and microbiology. He attended the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry where he received both an advanced education honors certificate and an award for academic achievement in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. He was also the recipient of the Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics’ “Excellence in Prosthodontics” award.
In pursuit of his career as an oral surgeon, Dr. Schroeder earned his Master’s degree at the University of Iowa and completed his residency at the university’s hospitals and clinics. His graduate research thesis focused on bone biology and dental implants, two essential areas in his work with AOS patients.
Robert J. Busch, DMD, MD
Dr. Robert Busch performs a variety of advanced procedures through his work with Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. He is also a member of the AOS leadership team.
As a board-certified dental surgeon caring for Peoria and Galesburg patients, Dr. Busch focuses on both acute needs and long-term oral health. From tooth extractions to bone grafting, the placement of dental implants and corrective jaw surgery, he is committed to providing lasting outcomes tailored to each person’s goals as well as creating a positive experience with our practice.
Outside of his work as a dental surgeon with AOS, Dr. Robert Busch enjoys hunting, fishing, and cycling. Having grown up in a military family and has lived throughout the United States and abroad, traveling is still a large part of his life. He also contributes his ability through charitable work, including a mission trip to Ayacucho, Peru to perform cleft lip and palate repair for those in need. He is a member of the Peoria Cleft lip and palate team.
Before joining AOS, Dr. Busch was a partner in private practice and worked at ClearChoice dental implant center in Texas. Today with AOS, planning and placing dental implants remains one of the most important parts of his practice. His work as a dental surgeon includes both single implant procedures and full arch restoration (All-on-4®). He offers Peoria and Galesburg patients treatment using the most up-to-date techniques and skills that have been highly refined through hundreds of surgeries. He also provides the full range of anesthetic options to keep patients comfortable throughout their experience.
Beyond his time in practice, Dr. Busch has spent years in training and skill development. He began his higher education at the University of Florida, from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology. He then attended the University of Florida College of Dentistry and went on to medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern. He completed his internship in general surgery and his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern.
Dr. Busch’s also spent time at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. His previous experience includes work with the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, where he held an assistant professorship in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Will Pledger, DMD
Prior to joining AOS, Dr. J. Will Pledger was the Program Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the UTHSC College of Dentistry. He is also an alumnus of UTHSC Oral Surgery program as well as the UT Dental College having graduated in 2001 and 2005 respectively. After residency he completed his commitment to the United States Air Force while stationed in San Antonio, Texas. During his 5 years on active duty, he was on the teaching staff for their AEGD-2 and Oral Surgery programs. He was also able to serve as Chief of Head and Neck Surgery for the 332 EMDG while deployed to Balad Air Base in Iraq. After honorably separating from the Air Force in 2010, he was in private practice for 7 years between Murray, Kentucky and Katy, Texas. After 7 years in private practice, he decided to return to academics at UTHSC where he has been an Associate Professor for the last 6 years and Program Director since 2019.
He has been happily married for 27 years to Jill Pledger who he met while at Augustana college in Rock Island, IL. She graced him with three fantastic boys. Dylan, a Bio-medical Engineer senior at the University of Arkansas currently in Germany; Jake Ryan, a Mechanical Engineer freshman at the University of Arkansas; and Lucas, a junior finishing his tenure in high school.