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 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.
If that’s not enough, Plemons owned a private dental practice in Dallas for decades and is a former president of both the Texas Dental Association and the Dallas County Dental Society.
Plemons’ distinguished career received the spotlight Sept. 18 when Texas Academy of General Dentistry named her 2026 Texas Dentist of the Year at its annual awards ceremony in Austin. She was one of 16 nominees statewide.
It’s considered among the most prestigious honors a Texas dentist can earn.
“Dr. Plemons represents the very best of our profession,” said Dr. Jon Dossett, president of Texas AGD, in a written statement. “Her extraordinary career as a clinician, educator, mentor, and leader has touched countless patients and dental professionals across Texas and beyond. Her dedication to advancing dentistry and serving others makes her truly deserving of this recognition.”
“Dentistry has taught me that caring for patients is a privilege, that good communication is incredibly important and that lifelong learning is essential for good patient care,” Plemons said. “There’s value in being both a mentor and a mentee, and dentists are stronger as a group in shaping the future of our profession.”
She graduated from the dental school in 1986 (then-Baylor College of Dentistry) and later earned a master’s in oral biology from Baylor University in Waco. Plemons earned a periodontics certificate from the dental school in 1988.
Plemons has taught at A&M Dentistry part-time or full-time throughout her career and has held leadership roles within the American Dental Association, where she chaired the Council on Dental Education and Licensure. Plemons served as a delegate to the ADA House of Delegates and contributed to many councils, committees and accreditation initiatives.
She’s an advocate for the profession and provided testimony before the Texas Legislature and the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners on issues affecting dentists and patients across Texas.
A nationally recognized educator, researcher and lecturer, Plemons has spent nearly four decades teaching at her alma mater. In addition, she authored more than 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications, delivered more than 200 professional lectures nationally and internationally and contributed to research in periodontics, oral medicine, oral cancer detection and patient care.
“Being named Texas Dentist of the Year is a tremendous honor and a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Plemons’ exceptional contributions to the dental profession,” said Dr. Lily T. García, College of Dentistry dean. “We are incredibly proud to have a faculty member whose leadership, expertise and commitment to advancing oral health continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients, students and the profession. This recognition reflects not only Dr. Plemons accomplishments, but also the positive impact of her work throughout Texas.”
Plemons mentors dental students, specialty residents, graduate students, researchers, and junior faculty members.
Dr. Deborah M. Foyle, clinical professor in periodontics and A&M Dentistry’s new associate dean of student affairs, said she met Plemons in 1995 when helping her gather clinical data for a study of mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Foyle had recently moved to Dallas from London, England, so Dr. John Regan, her husband, could attend A&M Dentistry’s endodontics graduate program.
“The first time I was introduced to her, I was with my 3-month-old premature baby, and she just lit up during her interaction with him,” Foyle said. “She loves children, (and) I was struck by how natural, genuine, caring and giving she was; that is how she still is with patients and students alike.”
Plemons’ career accomplishments include the Texas Dental Association Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Service, the American Dental Association President’s Award, the Dallas County Dental Society Lifetime Achievement Award, the Texas A&M College of Dentistry Distinguished Alumnus Award and the American Academy of Periodontology Educator Award.