Texas A&M University School of Dentistry and its alumni association presented outstanding and distinguished alumni awards during a reception Aug. 25 at the Southwest Dental Conference in Dallas.

This was the first year the reception had been held since the pandemic, so several honorees were recognized. They included Dr. Jacqueline Plemons, 2020-2021 Distinguished Alumnus; Dr. Sarah (Percy) Tovar, 2020-2021 Outstanding Young Alumnus; Dr. Wayne Woods, 2023 Distinguished Alumnus; and Dr. Gabrielle C. Dizon, 2023 Outstanding Young Alumnus.

Plemons, a 1986 graduate of then-Baylor College of Dentistry, is a part-time clinical professor in the dental school’s Department of Periodontics and is director of the school’s stomatology program.

“I’m honored to receive this award,” Plemons said, “and I’m mindful of the many opportunities our dental school has opened for me and my family. Service is in the heart of most of us, and nowhere is it more evident than in members of our alumni association.

“I’m grateful for the guidance and mentorship our alumni have provided me over the years, and I look forward to many more in service to our patients and our profession.”

Dizon, who has been recognized as a “Best Dentist” in D Magazine’s “Best of Big D,” also expressed gratitude for the award.

“I’m so honored … it has been a joy to be able to give back to the community and school that has provided me with so much opportunity as a student and recent graduate,” she said. “I feel very fortunate to be part of a supportive and tight-knit alumni organization.”

Woods, who has his own orthodontic practice and also taught at the dental school for 12 years, said he’s worked as hard as possible through the years to be involved in many areas.

“But I look at the people who got this award before me, and I still have a lot of work to do,” he said with a smile. “I’m not finished yet. I thank you for this.”

Dr. Tovar recently welcomed a baby boy to her family and was unable to attend the awards ceremony.

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From left, Dr. Gabrielle Dizon, Dr. Jacqueline Plemons and Dr. Wayne Woods were honored Aug. 25 at the Texas A&M University School of Dentistry alumni reception at the Southwest Dental Conference. Dr. Sarah (Percy) Tovar was also recognized but was unable to attend.