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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. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
Plemons named 2026 Texas Dentist of the Year
Dr. Jacqueline M. Plemons, clinical professor in periodontics and the inaugural executive director of external affairs at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, was named 2026 Texas Dentist of the Year by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry. She was chosen from among 16 nominees, and the award is considered among the most prestigious honors a Texas dentist can earn. Plemons and other honorees were recognized Friday at the Texas Academy Awards ceremony during the Lone Star Dental Conference in Austin. Read More
Deadline to apply for the next dental class is Oct. 1
Students recently headed back to class for the current academic year, but Texas A&M College of Dentistry is looking ahead as deadlines approach for the dental Class of 2031 and the dental hygiene Class of 2029. Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service’s admissions portal for dental students closes Oct. 1, meaning all applicants for the dental Class of 2031 must submit all materials to be considered. Interviews began earlier this month. Read More
Tooth travelers: Students sharpen their skills on dental mission trips over the summer breaks
A busy dental student scheduled to graduate next May, few would fault Mackenzie “Kenzie” Bankes for heading to Jamaica for a few lazy days to enjoy sandy beaches and misty mountains. But those and even dances to the Caribbean island’s famous reggae beats had to wait. Bankes and fellow Texas A&M University College of Dentistry students traveled Aug. 1-8 on a dental mission trip to St. Elizabeth Parish and its Helping Hand Dental Clinic in the southwestern part of the country. Working with the nonprofit Christian Medical & Dental Association, they provided oral hygiene education, cleanings, fillings and tooth extractions to more than 600 underserved residents rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa last year. Read More
White coats: Symbols of new students’ commitments
They studied hard and aced their entrance exams and interviews to gain admission to dental school or the dental hygiene program. Then, 134 students who are part of Texas A&M College of Dentistry's Dental Class of 2030 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2028 gathered together Aug. 7 to don their white coats. It's an annual tradition called White Coat Ceremony. Read More
Partnering to save a smile
Like many 9-year-olds, Xavier Quintero Altuve’s summer vacation involves playing with friends, watching television and maybe hanging out at a pool. Great opportunities for grins. But Xavier has more reasons to smile. His healthy mouth is a gift from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas and partner Metrocrest Hospital Authority in Carrollton. Read More
Plemons nominated for Texas Dentist of the Year
Dr. Jacqueline M. Plemons, clinical professor in periodontics and the inaugural executive director of external affairs at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, was recently selected as an at-large nominee for Texas Academy of General Dentistry’s Texas Dentist of the Year Award. There are 16 nominees, and the award is considered among the most prestigious honors a Texas dentist can earn. Plemons and other honorees will be recognized Sept. 18 in Austin, when the winner is announced at what is billed as Texas Academy Awards during the Lone Star Dental Conference. Read More
Giving back: New graduates become leaders of summer programs that helped them succeed
Drs. Britni Duffie, program aide in student affairs at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas, and Dawn Miller McElroy, formerly a program aide, smile when someone mentions they’re new Class of 2026 dentists. They worked hard to earn dental degrees, and both have gold stars in perseverance. Read More