Dr. Theresa Gonzales Appointed Interim Dean of the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University

Theresa Gonzales, D.M.D., M.S., M.S.T.S.

A nationally recognized educator, administrator, clinician and retired U.S. Army Colonel, Dr. Gonzales brings decades of leadership experience in academic dentistry, military service and patient care to her new role. As interim dean, she will provide strategic leadership for the college’s academic, clinical, research and service missions, building upon the DCG at Augusta’s tradition of excellence by fostering innovation in education and expanding opportunities for students and faculty.

Dr. Gonzales previously served as Associate Dean DCG at Augusta’s, where she has played a key role in advancing clinical education programs and outreach initiatives. She is a dual board-certified specialist in oral and maxillofacial pathology and orofacial pain, and she has demonstrated a steadfast career commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and expanding access to care for underserved communities.

Following more than 30 years of distinguished military service, Dr. Gonzales retired from the U.S. Army at the rank of colonel. Her military career featured numerous high-level leadership and clinical positions, including Director of Orofacial Pain Management at Tripler Army Medical Center, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist at both the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and William Beaumont Army Medical Center, and Director of Strategic Communications for the Army Surgeon General. Her exceptional service was recognized with the Order of Military Medical Merit and the Surgeon General’s “A” Designator for Clinical Excellence.

Dr. Gonzales earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the College of Charleston and her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Fort Jackson, an oral and maxillofacial pathology residency at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, and a fellowship in orofacial pain at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School. Additionally, she holds a Master of Science in Health Care Management from The George Washington University and graduated with distinction from the U.S. Army War College.

An accomplished scholar, Dr. Gonzales has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed scientific publications. Her contributions to dental education, leadership and patient care have earned her the American Dental Association Distinguished Service Award, the Pierre Fauchard Gold Medal Award, the Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award and the International College of Dentists Award for Excellence in Research.

Dr. Gonzales is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, the American Academy of Orofacial Pain and the Academy of General Dentistry.

Courtesy of the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University

Published on August 12, 2026