Dental hygiene student Marshall Jones Jr. is proof that it is never too late to pursue a new dream.
A Chicago native and former police officer for 10 years, Jones moved to Memphis in 2020 when his wife, Marquita Nelson, MD, accepted a faculty position in the College of Medicine’s hematology department. Initially, he joined the university as a campus police officer after working for several years at the University of Chicago Police Department. His role on campus reawakened a long-held interest in dentistry.
“I wanted to be a dentist when I was younger, in high school and even in my early college years,” Jones said.
Jones initially attended the University of Illinois Chicago but had trouble adjusting to college life. He began taking courses at a community college before transferring to Roosevelt University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in biological science.
“Dental school is pretty competitive, and I didn’t have the best grades,” he said. “After finishing undergrad, I applied to the University of Chicago Police Department because I always liked helping people out, serving, and problem solving. I was pretty good at it, but I never really saw myself as a police officer long-term.”
As an officer in UT Health Science Center’s Campus Police Department, Jones spent time in the dentistry buildings. Seeing the students interact with patients and hone their skills with dental instruments, he began to picture himself in their shoes.
Encouragement came from unexpected places. While on patrol one evening, Jones assisted Orpheus Triplett, DDS, associate dean for Extramural Clinical Education and Community Service, who had misplaced his ID card and needed building access. In their conversation, Dr. Triplett urged Jones to pursue his interest.
Jones began taking prerequisite courses at Southwest Tennessee Community College, finishing with a 4.0 grade point average. Now in his first year of the College of Dentistry’s two-year dental hygiene program, Jones is balancing more than coursework.
“I’m a non-traditional student and I have a kid now who’s 2 years old,” he said. “It’s hard balancing being a parent and taking these hard courses, so time management has been key.”
Jones said the college has been understanding of his situation, and his classmates and professors have lent a helping hand when needed. “Everyone has been really nice. They ask about how I’m doing in school, how my family is doing, and they give me advice. Sometimes it’s hard for me to tell people I need help, but if they keep offering it to me and are genuinely sincere, then I’ll take them up on it,” he said.
As Jones had to readjust to life as a student, he leaned on his younger classmates to help him learn things like computer programs and technology he is not used to. He also credits the younger students for reinvigorating his outlook on learning.
“I think many people probably can attest to this, but as you get older, it’s kind of hard to learn new things,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll be really tired, but the younger students in the college are so excited and so enthusiastic, and it rubs off on me. It’s refreshing to be around people who have so many goals in life.”
Looking ahead, Jones plans to work in underserved communities after graduating in 2026. He is passionate about making dental care accessible to populations that often lack adequate resources. He also hopes his presence will inspire children to see dental hygiene as a career option.
“There aren’t too many male hygienists, so I think I can have some type of positive impact in that area,” Jones said. “When I volunteer at some of the schools to teach kids about oral care, showing them how to brush their teeth and floss, the kids generally are interested. They always want to take pictures, ask me questions, and things like that.”
While his immediate focus is on completing the program and starting his career, Jones has not ruled out pursuing further education in the future so he can become an educator for the next generations of dental hygienists. Whatever path he chooses, he is confident his resiliency, adaptability, and passion for serving others will allow him to make a meaningful impact.
This story was originally featured in the winter 2025 issue of the College of Dentistry Magazine.