CDR Hawkins entered the Navy in 2010 after graduating from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. In 2015, he earned a certificate in Orofacial Pain from the Naval Postgraduate Dental School and a Master of Science Degree in Oral Biology from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He later received a Master of Education in Health Professions Education degree from USUHS. He holds dual board certification from the American Board of Orofacial Pain and the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine.

CDR Hawkins is passionate about improving chronic facial pain education and care. He has served in multiple academic and clinical leadership roles, including as the sole DoD orofacial pain specialist (2015-2018), Program Director of the TriService Orofacial Pain Residency (2019-2022), Specialty Leader for Orofacial Pain to the Navy Surgeon General (2021-2025), and currently as Department Chair for the TriService Orofacial Pain Center.

He has held national leadership roles on the boards of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP) and the American Board of Orofacial Pain (ABOP). He serves as an ABOP Oral Board examiner, Chair of the AAOP Practice Guidelines committee, and Chair of the 2026 National Scientific Meeting Committee.

His recognitions include the USUHS Health Professions Education Influence Award (2025), TriService Postgraduate Dental College Senior Dental Educator award (2024), USUHS Clinical Science Innovation in Education award (2024), NPDS Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2021), and designation as an Associate Master Clinician (2021). His military decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (1 gold star), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

A nationally recognized author, speaker, and educator, Dr. Hawkins has delivered lectures across the U.S. and published 19 articles and 5 textbook chapters. He serves as an assistant editor for CRANIO and co-editor of the AAOP Guidelines. He developed an online Temporomandibular Disorders education course now used as the introductory curriculum for the DoD, VA, and AAOP.