University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
Division of Dental Hygiene
Clinical Faculty and SADHA Advisor
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 272-5048
e-mail:mplese@salud.unm.edu
Master of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene, University of New Mexico (2006)
Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene, University of New Mexico (2000)
Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene, University of New Mexico (1999)
Missy Pleše currently teaches in senior clinic as well as the didactic and laboratory course dental materials. She also oversees graduate and undergraduate students during clinical rotations at UNM's School Based Health Center (SBHC)-Dental Clinic.
Missy recently served as a co-investigator and research team coordinator for an investigation that evaluated individuals with diabetes knowledge related to their disease and periodontal diseases. She presented her findings at the American Dental Hygiene Association's 2007 Annual Research Poster Session in New Orleans. Missy is currently involved in the development of a data collection tool for UNM's SBHC-Dental Clinic.
Missy has practiced dental hygiene in diverse clinical settings including general private practices, periodontal practices, practices treating patients with developmental disabilities and practices with a focus on implant dentistry. She currently treats adolescent patients within our school-based dental clinics.
Ms. Plese currently serves as the faculty advisor to UNM's members of the Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (SADHA). She currently is the Division of Dental Hygiene's faculty representative for UNM's Rural Health Interdisplinary Program.
Missy is an active member of the American Dental Hygienists' Association and is very involved in her professional organization at all levels. She currently serves as the Chair for New Mexico Dental Hygienists' Association Hygiene Political Action Committee. She has also held various leadership positions including President and Vice President within her local component professional organization.
Melissa McDougal-Pleše graduated magna cum laude and was awarded for research she conducted as an undergraduate student. Recently she was acknowledged by Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society for her contributions to oral health community services.
