Colonel (Dr.) Paul M. Colthirst, a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics’ Dental Public Health residency program, has been appointed the 30th Chief of the U.S. Army Dental Corps. The appointment places Colthirst in the senior leadership position responsible for guiding dental readiness and policy for the United States Army worldwide.

As Chief of the U.S. Army Dental Corps, Colthirst also serves as Assistant Chief of Staff for Dental Integration at Medical Readiness Command, Pacific. In this capacity, he oversees the development of global dental health policy for the Army and helps ensure the operational readiness and well-being of service members through the leadership and integration of Army dental professionals.

Colthirst earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Meharry Medical College ('02 DDS) and completed his Master of Science in Dental Public Health at the University of Iowa ('08 MS). He also holds a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and is board certified in Dental Public Health. Earlier in his career, he served as Consultant to the Army Surgeon General, advising on dental public health policy and strategy.

Throughout his military career, Colthirst has held numerous leadership assignments within the Army Medical Department. His roles have included command of Dental Health Commands in the Pacific and at Fort Cavazos, service as a Brigade Dental Surgeon, and policy positions at the headquarters of the Army Medical Department and the Office of The Surgeon General.

In addition to his operational leadership, Colthirst is a published author and international lecturer on military and operational dentistry. His professional recognition includes the Surgeon General’s “A” proficiency designator, the highest level of professional achievement, and membership in the Order of Military Medical Merit. He is also an Army RAND Arroyo Research Fellow and a Fellow of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.

Colthirst’s appointment as Chief of the U.S. Army Dental Corps reflects a career dedicated to service, leadership, and advancing the field of military dentistry. His achievement highlights the impact of University of Iowa alumni who continue to lead and serve in critical roles across the nation and around the world.