Gp Capt Koshy Zachariah has been in Command of 1 Air Force Dental Centre from 02 Apr 90 to 17 May 92 The last 30 years of Gp Capt Koshy Zachariah's service had been exemplified by his brilliant academic and professional achievements. He was especially selected as a Research Pool Officer under Director General Armed Forces Medical Services, the first Dental Officer to earn this distinction. He not only has a large number of research projects of high standard to his credit but was solely responsible for activating research activities in Army Dental Corps and Dental Branches of Navy and Air Force. As Commanding Officer, Air Force Dental Centre, Jalahalli, he planned and set up a new Dental Centre, which saw some outstanding and innovative ideas in concept of Dentistry and its delivery system and is cited as a model of modern day Dental Health Care. He was singularly instrumental in formulating and executing the training of para-dental staff which culminated in the award of recognition to AF Dental Establishment by Dental Council of India.

He has introduced the concept of multidisciplinary approach in patient management. Due to availability of highly advanced and latest professional expertise, Air Force Dental Centre, Palam has come to be recognised as one of the best in the Services and country as well as attained the distinction of being a referral centre.

Gp Capt Koshy Zachariah within a short period has initiated and successfully completed modernisation of three surgeries with latest state of the art equipment. The Dental laboratory has been up-dated and equipped to deliver bio-compatible metal castings latest in the world today. With his initiative, a computer facility has been added with development of soft ware for patient data, Dental Health Statistics, inventory control, patient appointment and recall system. All these have elevated the unit to a position of pre-eminence among the service Dental Centres in the country.

For his distinguished service of very exceptional order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Koshy Zachariah.