Faculty and Staff
Welcome to dentistry
Texas A&M College of Dentistry’s Student National Dental Association hosted Impressions Day on Saturday, Feb. 28. The annual event serves as an opportunity to introduce students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry to the college’s standards of academic excellence, research and community-centered care and service. Read More
Dechow elected as an AAAS Fellow
Dr. Paul C. Dechow, Regents professor emeritus in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, was recently elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was one of 449 members named as a 2025 Honorary Fellow, the association stated in a press release issued last month. Read More
Tatakis named head of periodontics
After a national search, Dr. Dimitris N. Tatakis is the new head of periodontics at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas. Dr. Deborah M. Foyle, who served as interim head of periodontics, will assist Tatakis before assuming another high-level position at A&M Dentistry. Tatakis started Feb. 2 and came to ... Read More
Plemons named inaugural executive director of external affairs
Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas recently named Dr. Jacqueline Plemons as the inaugural executive director of external affairs. In her role, Plemons, a longtime clinical professor and director of Stomatology, will identify and cultivate collaborative opportunities between the 120-year-old dental college and the broader community, including other institutions, businesses, community care organizations and practicing dentists across the state. She will ensure each opportunity aligns with the dental college’s mission to provide academic excellence, trailblazing research and community-centered care and service. Plemons will develop operational guidelines when reviewing affiliation agreements in support of the dental school’s programs. Read More
Tahmasbi receives 40 Under 40 nod from Incisal Edge
Better reading of dental radiographic images leads to healthier patients, according to Dr. Mehrnaz Tahmasbi, clinical associate professor and radiology predoctoral program director at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas. She’s working to ensure tomorrow’s dentists see ailments more clearly. A&M Dentistry’s dental students, like many of their counterparts worldwide, traditionally learn about head and neck anatomy primarily using two-dimensional images. A&M Dentistry’s fourth-year students also have the privilege to observe cone beam computed tomography three-dimensional imaging during their clinical rotations, and Tahmasbi is working to add formal CBCT education to the predoctoral curriculum. “I want to enhance students’ understanding of three-dimensional anatomy and imaging concepts relevant to procedures such as implant placement, endodontic surgery and extractions,” said Tahmasbi, a dentist and maxillofacial radiologist, of the CBCT technology now used in many dental practices. Her teaching endeavors, work at A&M Dentistry’s Imaging Center and research in diagnostic sciences, as well as her dental imaging reading services for BeamReaders, were recognized by editors and peers when she was named to Incisal Edge magazine’s 2025 Top 40 Under 40 dental specialists. Read More
College of Dentistry professor’s skull research shared on History Channel’s ‘Ancient Aliens’
Dr. Qian Wang, professor in biomedical sciences at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, is featured on the 22nd season premiere of History Channel’s popular Ancient Aliens series, now streaming on various platforms. “Skulls of the Gods” showcases the phenomena of artificial cranial deformations found worldwide. Read More
Crump named secretary/treasurer of American Academy of Periodontology
Dr. Brad Crump, an adjunct clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Dentistry’s periodontics department, was recently elected secretary/treasurer of the American Academy of Periodontology, a one-year term, ascending to the role of president over the next four years. The organization represents nearly 7,500 periodontists. Read More
Three College of Dentistry faculty members honored for promotions
In a special ceremony this week at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Drs. Jayne Reuben, Nina Ray and Simmi Patel received recognition for their faculty promotions. Read More
Henderson tapped to chair the state’s dental board
Dr. Bryan Henderson II, a dentist anesthesiologist and adjunct professor in Texas A&M College of Dentistry’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, was recently appointed chair of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners by Gov. Greg Abbott. The board regulates the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene and other dental-related professions. Read More
Mukherji shares Texas Dentist of the Year honor
Dr. Partha Mukherji, clinical assistant professor in comprehensive dentistry at Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, teaches dental students treatment fundamentals. However, his passion is advocating for the needs and interests of present and future general dentists. That dedication was saluted Sept. 12 in Austin as Mukherji and his longtime friend, Dr. Victor Rodriguez of Houston, owner of Clear Lake Dental Associates in Houston and an adjunct professor at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, were named co-recipients of 2025 Texas Dentist of the Year at Texas Academy Awards, Texas Academy of General Dentistry’s celebratory event. Each was honored for service to his community and the dental profession, commitment to continuing education, leadership and professional excellence. Read More