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Bonnie Werner's path to dental hygiene wasn’t a conventional one. A proud graduate of the Dental Hygiene Program, Class of 2004, her career began in the United States Air Force, where she served from 1983 to 1987. 

It was during her time in the military that she was assigned to the dental field, working as a dental assistant and even performing dental cleanings, despite limited formal training. This unexpected introduction to dentistry planted the first seeds of what would become a lifelong passion.

Private practice and the road to higher education

After leaving the military, Werner returned to San Antonio and worked in various private practices, including Lee Dental Centers and with fellow �����Թ� alumnus Daniel Torres, DDS.

With her children in high school, Werner felt it was time to pursue her long-standing dream of furthering her education. In 2000, she began taking prerequisite courses at Palo Alto College, locking in her previously earned credits and obtaining both an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Werner knew that �����Թ�'s Dental Hygiene Program was where she wanted to earn her degree. 

“I wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree, and all the other programs only offered certificates at the time,” explained Werner. 

After applying once, she was accepted into the program at the School of Dentistry in 2002, a milestone that would reshape her future.

�����Թ� School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Class of 2004

Academic achievements and overcoming personal challenges

Werner graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2004, having earned accolades such as the Golden Scaler Award and being inducted into the Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society. She consistently earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester and was an active member of the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

Her time in the dental hygiene program was not without its challenges. In her final semester, Werner was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and a mastectomy, she remained steadfast in her studies and clinical practice. 

She had the unwavering support from faculty members like Juanita “Nita” Wallace, PhD, RDH, who served as director of the dental hygiene program from 1980 to 2009, Magda de la Torre, RDH, MPH, a professor at the time and now the current director of the program, Professor Nguyen, Professor Alvarado and many others. The friendship, support and encouragement from all her classmates, such as her friend Sandra Mendoza, helped Werner cross the finish line and earn her degree.

After graduation, Werner later joined practices in Hondo and Castroville, where she spent an impressive 20 years dedicated to patient care.

Returning to �����Թ� as an educator

Fast forward to 2024, Werner has returned to �����Թ� – not as a student, but as an associate clinical professor in the Division of Dental Hygiene within the Department of Periodontics. She now serves as the clinic I coordinator, where she works closely with junior dental hygiene students. 

From teaching ergonomic positioning and instrument techniques on typodonts to guiding students as they transition to live patient care, Werner said that she tries to bring both expertise and empathy to her role at �����Թ�.

Her journey from student to educator feels surreal, especially as she now works alongside former faculty members and classmates. 

“It’s incredible to be back,” Werner reflects. “These women are amazing professionals, and to stand beside them now as a colleague is an honor.”

Werner’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, dedication and the lasting impact of the �����Թ� School of Dentistry community. We are proud to celebrate her journey and the inspiration she brings to both students and alumni alike.

Faculty and staff members of the School of Dentistry and graduates of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2004.

Supporting future dental hygienists: Frances P. Plunkett Scholarship

Werner's commitment to education and mentorship echoes beyond her role as an instructor. It also highlights the importance of supporting the next generation of dental hygienists. One way �����Թ� continues this mission is through the Frances P. Plunkett Scholarship in Dental Hygiene.

Established in 1996 through a generous gift from Mrs. Patricia Palmer Hartley in honor of her daughter, Frances Plunkett, this endowment provides annual scholarship support to dental hygiene students who are members of the San Antonio Dental Hygienists Association and intend to join the American Dental Hygienists Association upon graduation.

Recipients are selected based on both need and merit, demonstrating leadership qualities, professional commitment and a positive approach to becoming oral health providers.

To apply for this and other scholarships, visit 

To learn more about giving to a dental hygiene program the School of Dentistry, visit the school’s  or contact Alex Castañeda, director of development in the School of Dentistry, at 210-567-6536.