Navy Cmdr. Karima Ayesh graduated from Florida International University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She later attended Nova Southeastern University, earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree from the College of Dental Medicine. Upon graduation, CDR Ayesh practiced for eight years throughout the states of Florida and Illinois. Inspired by her Navy colleague at Great Lakes and hearing about her deployments to Afghanistan, she decided to pursue her options regarding a Navy career as a dentist. She received her commission through the Direct Accession Program.

CDR Ayesh’s first duty assignment was Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California where she provided comprehensive dental care to incoming Marine recruits as a Dental Officer. She has since served as the Dental Department Head with the USS Kearsarge, Dental Officer at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and Dental Department Head of the Branch Health Clinic in Sasebo, Japan.

In May of 2021, CDR Ayesh reported to the Defense Health Agency in Falls Church, VA as a Tri-Service Dental Point of Contact for the Active-Duty Dental Program. As the sole point of contact for all DoD branches and US Coast Guard Dental Treatment Facilities, she supported 466 dental clinics worldwide, hosted 36 live webinars, and reduced $25.8 million of direct-care private sector costs, supporting recapture of care back to the Military Health System.

As of August 2024, CDR Ayesh serves as the Director for Dental Services for the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command in Sigonella, Italy.

Her awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (two) and various other unit commendations and service medals.