DCG Office of the Dean

Theresa Gonzales, DMD, MS, MSTS
Dean, Dental College of Georgia

Dr. Theresa Gonzales stepped into the role of Interim Dean at the Dental College of Georgia on July 1, after serving as Associate Dean of Extramural Clinics for DCG-Savannah and professor in the Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences. She now guides the college's academic, clinical, research and service missions while championing innovation in education and expanding opportunities for students, faculty and the communities DCG serves.

Board certified in both Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Orofacial Pain, Dr. Gonzales has built her career around collaboration, clinical excellence and access to care. She has strengthened clinical education, expanded outreach initiatives and advanced partnerships that improve oral health, particularly in underserved communities.

Dr. Gonzales completed more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Army before retiring as a Colonel. Her military career included leadership of Orofacial Pain Management at Tripler Army Medical Center and clinical practice in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at Walter Reed and William Beaumont Army Medical Centers. She also directed Strategic Communications for the Office of the Army Surgeon General. Her service earned the Order of Military Medical Merit and the Surgeon General's "A" Designator for Clinical Excellence.

She studied chemistry at the College of Charleston before earning her dental degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. 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, Maryland, and a fellowship in Orofacial Pain at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School. She also studied Health Care Management at George Washington University and graduated with distinction from the U.S. Army War College.

Dr. Gonzales has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications and earned recognition as one of dentistry's most accomplished leaders. Her honors include 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. She holds fellowship in 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.