Remembering Dr. Peggy Alexander
The School of Dentistry is remembering the life and service of Peggy Alexander, DDS, MPH, who passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025. Dr. Alexander retired in early 2025 after forty years of teaching, patient care and mentorship at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio School of Dentistry.
In a message to the school, Dean Ken Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, and Associate Dean of Patient Care Scott Stafford, DDS, MBA, FICD, shared that the loss of Dr. Alexander is deeply felt throughout the school. “Peggy devoted her time and energy to our students, patients, staff and faculty. She taught at our institution for forty years. She met every challenge with resilience and a warm smile. She will be missed, and our hope is that her influence is never forgotten.”
Dr. Alexander joined the School of Dentistry in 1984 as a clinical professor and served as a research associate in the Department of Periodontics during her time at the university. She received her DDS from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in 1981. She earned a Certificate in Dental Hygiene in 1957 and her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1961 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Before joining UT Health San Antonio, she served in the National Health Service Corps and the United States Uniformed Services and later maintained a private practice in San Antonio.
Her research interests included infection control, cross-contamination in dental settings, parafunctional habits and dental erosion. From 2006 to 2018, she served as principal investigator on an NIH R01 project studying implant-supported dentures in patients with diabetes. Her work contributed to a better understanding of clinical outcomes for a patient population often underrepresented in research.
Known for her presence in the screening and predoctoral clinics, Dr. Alexander worked closely with dental students. Over the course of four decades, she taught generations of dental students and supported colleagues across the school. Her work was steady, thoughtful and focused on preparing students for patient-centered practice. Many colleagues and alumni recall her fondly mentioning her patient instruction, her commitment to clinical excellence and her interest in the success of both students and the school.
Gary F. Guest, BS, DDS, former associate dean of patient care and chief information officer for the School of Dentistry, who worked with Dr. Alexander for all forty years of her service, shared his perspective on their long professional partnership. “Dr. Alexander was a gem. You always wanted her on your team. A true doer, she consistently went above the call of duty and was extremely dedicated to the school from the day she started. Her career at the school began in the department known as Dental Diagnostic Science, which later became part of Comprehensive Dentistry. Her abilities, combined with her thinking outside the box, often made a significant contribution to both moving our initiatives forward and their successful execution. Peggy played a key role in the Predoctoral Screening Clinic and contributed to workflow improvements that strengthened the delivery of patient care in the student clinics. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing, learning and working with her.”
Dr. Alexander’s impact spans four decades, affecting thousands of patients and numerous graduates. The School of Dentistry honors her service and extends condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and former students.
Reflecting on her legacy, Dr. Stafford concluded, “Dr. Alexander was everything good that dentistry represents. She was compassionate, resilient and always educating, whether with a patient or a student. She taught in the clinic, in the classroom and often by example. She faced personal struggles without complaint. She cared deeply about our school and our students. She was happiest when she was working with them. Her presence will be missed but not forgotten.”