Dr. Bussard was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended Indiana University as an undergraduate, and received his Masters of Science (M.S.) degree in Anatomy from Indiana University while attending Indiana University School of Dentistry. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1977 and completed his three-year residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Indiana University Medical Center and Methodist Hospital.

He is a Diplomate of and has served as an Examiner for the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. In 2000, he received the “Excellence in Cosmetic Surgery” award from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He was awarded Honorary Fellowship in the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He served on the Board of Directors of Easter Seals Crossroad of Indianapolis from 2000-2003.