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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.
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.
Bits and Bites – September 2026
The new school year is in full swing at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, and that includes a host of faculty promotions and new hires and important happenings.
Smiles we remember: Dr. Jun-Young Cho
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of former faculty member Dr. Jun-Young Cho, who died Wednesday, Sept. 2. Cho joined the faculty as an instructor at what was then Baylor College of Dentistry in 1968. He was appointed an assistant professor in 1972 and named an associate professor in 1977. He retired in 2022 after more than 50 years of dedicated service to the dental school.
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.
Cheers: Best and worst beverages for teeth
The beverages we choose quietly shape the health of our smiles. Some drinks strengthen and protect teeth, while others slowly wear away enamel – the outer white part that keeps teeth strong, bright and resistant to cavities. Many popular beverages contain high acidity, said Dr. John Safar, clinical faculty at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas. When acidity lowers the pH in the mouth, enamel begins to dissolve. “Research shows that enamel starts to weaken below pH 5.5, and many commercial drinks fall between pH 2 and pH 4 – a range where erosion accelerates rapidly,” Safar said.
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.