A Kimball graduate’s remarkable journey 

A retrospective on 28 years of wearing the Army uniform – Col. Daniel D. Kersten

After more than two decades of dedicated service to the U.S. Army, Colonel Daniel D. Kersten, a highly skilled endodontist, prepares to retire, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service and commitment. Throughout his career, Kersten has exemplified the values of the military while providing exceptional dental care to soldiers. As retirement beckons, it’s time to reflect on his invaluable contributions, the path that led him here, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Kersten’s journey as an endodontist in the U.S. Army is one marked by remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication. He is the son of Douglas and Dorothy -Kersten who have lived in Fair Haven for 47 years. Graduating from -Kimball Area High School in 1995, he embarked on his educational journey at St. John’s University in Collegeville with an Army ROTC scholarship. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and excellence, he graduated as the Distinguished Military Graduate, laying the foundation for his outstanding military career.

Following graduation, Kersten received an Educational Delay to attend the School of Dentistry at the University of Minnesota, where he continued to excel. His commitment to academic excellence shone through as he consistently served as Class President, and graduated with Honors in 2003. Armed with extensive knowledge and a passion for dentistry, he embarked on a path that merged his expertise with his dedication to serving his country.

Joining the U.S. Army as a General Dentist, Dr. Kersten further developed his skills in a one-year Advanced General Dentistry Program at Landstuhl, Germany, and then served a one-year tour in Taji, Iraq. Following his tour in Iraq, he attended a two-year endodontic training program at Fort Bragg, NC, and received his certificate in endodontics. He served as Chief of Endodontics at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, for three years, and then dedicated the rest of his Army career to helping others improve their root canal therapy skills.

In 2011, Kersten transitioned into a dental educator role for the Army. During this time, he was initially stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., where he served as an endodontic mentor for more than two years, providing invaluable guidance and expertise to aspiring general dentists. Recognizing his exceptional skills, he was then appointed as an Endodontic Program Director at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he dedicated more than five and a half years to shaping the future of endodontics within the military. His leadership and mentorship played a pivotal role in the development of numerous endodontic professionals. Kersten concluded his Army career at Fort Carson, Colo., as an endodontic mentor, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of dental practitioners.

Over the course of 20 years, he mentored more than 100 general dentists, and staffed more than 10,000 endodontic procedures, imparting his knowledge and expertise to a new generation of dental professionals. His dedication to education and mentorship has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the field of endodontics within the military. Kersten’s exemplary contributions were recognized in 2018 when he received the Dental Corps Educator of the Year Award. This prestigious honor highlights his outstanding dedication to shaping the future of military dentistry.

Moreover, in 2018, Kersten began a four-year term as Consultant in Endodontics to the -Surgeon General, further showcasing his expertise and leadership in the field. His appointment to this esteemed position demonstrates his exceptional skills, and ability to contribute at strategic levels of dental care within the military. Additionally, Kersten was honored with the Army Medical Department “A” Designator award in recognition of his exceptional clinical skills. This distinguished award, limited to the top 10% of clinicians, serves as a testament to -Kersten’s unwavering commitment to excellence in his field.

As retirement approached, -Kersten reflected on the incredible journey: his military service, educational achievements, accolades as an educator, and his role as the Endodontic Consultant to the Surgeon General have cemented his legacy as an exceptional endodontist within the U.S. Army. With his wealth of experience, -Kersten is well-equipped to make a significant impact in private practice and academia.

In retirement, Kersten looks forward to spending more quality time with his loving wife, Gna, and their three children Axel, Caroline, and Ella. After years of dedicated -service, he cherishes the opportunity to create precious memories and enjoy the moments of togetherness that he may have missed due to his military commitments. Family has always been a source of inspiration and support for -Kersten, and he is excited to embark on this new chapter with his loved ones by his side.

As Kersten prepares to retire from the U.S. Army after more than 20 years of exemplary service, his contributions and achievements stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication, and exceptional skills. His remarkable journey, filled with educational accomplishments, accolades, and countless lives touched, leaves a lasting impact on the field of endodontics within the military. With his transition to a civilian endodontic practice in Colorado Springs, Kersten is poised to continue his remarkable service and make a significant difference in the dental health of his community. Retirement marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kersten, one that will allow him to prioritize the joys of family life while continuing to pursue his passion for dentistry.