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Expanded coverage: Texas A&M’s Plemons named 2026 Texas Dentist of the Year
Sometimes a small act of generosity can make a tremendous impression, especially on a 7-year-old. For Dr. Jacqueline Plemons, it’s what led her to become a dentist. “My mother had a toothache and, as a single mother with two children, had no means of getting help,” she said. “After visiting a few offices with no success, a kind dentist agreed to treat her at no charge. I was incredibly grateful and grew up wanting to be just like him – being able to care for people who sometimes desperately need our help.” Plemons accomplished her goal. Not only is she Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s new director of external affairs, but she’s also approaching 40 years in dentistry. Plemons also is a full-time clinical professor in periodontics and director of the Stomatology Center, where she helps diagnose and manage complex oral medicine conditions while educating future generations of dental professionals.
Program expands to add protecting senior smiles
When Dr. Amal Noureldin, clinical professor and director of the predoctoral program in public health sciences, at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, envisioned the Empowering Smiles Oral Health Initiative, it was to provide long-needed oral healthcare and education to children and teens in a few underserved schools in Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. What she and her dental and dental hygiene students saw was heartbreaking. “We saw second grade-schoolers with decay so bad that the teeth were gone, only gums were left,” she said. “These are preventable conditions that no child should have to experience, which is why what we offer is so important – access to knowledge and care and the hope that early prevention can make a difference.” Supported by more than $330,000 in total funding from partner agency Metrocrest Hospital Authority, the initiative provided oral health education and care to 782 students in 13 elementary schools and middle schools in the last two years. More schools than planned. There’s more work to do.
It’s all in the rinse
Mouthwash, also called mouthrinse, can be a good boost to a daily oral healthcare routine. While it never replaces daily brushing and flossing, rinsing does reach areas difficult for a toothbrush. But do you really need mouthwash? Maybe not, said Dr. John Safar, clinical faculty in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas. “Those with excellent oral health don’t necessarily need a mouthwash if plaque is well controlled and they have no other oral health issues,” he said. “But some rinses can help re-mineralize enamel and protect against cavities.” If you are unsure, ask your dentist.
Smiles we remember: Kenneth Howell
It is with great sadness that Texas A&M College of Dentistry announces the passing of former staff member, Kenneth Howell, who died Wednesday, Sept. 23. Howell joined the college in 2006 as a part-time security officer. In 2012, he moved to the Department of Public Health Sciences, where he served as an outreach worker and drove the mobile dental clinic and Seal Mobile to schools and communities throughout the region. He retired from the college in June 2020.
Woman’s skull likely proof of ancient nose amputation, says College of Dentistry professor
Dr. Qian Wang, professor in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, identified what he and other researchers believe is likely one of the first examples of an ancient nose amputation. It’s from the skull of a woman who lived in central China about 700 years ago. Ancient legal texts describe nose and limb amputations as forms of criminal punishment, along with decapitation, facial inking/tattooing and castration, according to Wang.
Spiced, yet not so nice: Put down that pumpkin latte
Temperatures in Dallas-Fort Worth and other places are in the 90s, but many Texans are cozying up to their annual cold-weather treat – lattes with pumpkin spices. Hold up before you take that next sip, said Briana “Breezy” Bonney, clinical assistant professor in the dental hygiene program at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas. Your favorite seasonal drink damages your teeth and gums. “Lattes with pumpkin spices are like candy, and they are loaded with sugar – about 25 to 30 grams of sugar in an eight-ounce cup with syrup and whipped cream,” Bonney said. “Most lattes served in restaurants and coffee shops are served in amounts much more than eight ounces.” Some seasonal concoctions contain a whopping 82 grams of sugar, she said.