Deborah Zeitler was born in Sioux City, Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Zoology. She received her DDS and MS degrees from the University of Iowa and completed residencies in General Practice and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She is Board Certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and served 6 years as a Board Examiner.

Dr. Zeitler spent 23 years at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry rising to the level of Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. While at the University she was involved in teaching, research, and patient care. Her research at the University focused on Facial Pain Disorders, Management of Systemic Disease in the Dental Patient, and Craniofacial Disorders. She is the author of multiple papers and book chapters.