Dr. Jane Ligums Recognized By Central Dental Society
Dr. Jane Ligums’ journey in dentistry is defined by her compassion, dedication, and unwavering service to both her patients and her professional community. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Dr. Ligums earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland, in 1973. She went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1984, followed by a General Practice Residency at the VA Hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1985.
Following her residency, Dr. Ligums began her academic and clinical career at Rhode Island Hospital, where she served as a full-time instructor and dental surgeon in general dentistry. Her leadership quickly became evident as she assumed the roles of Director of the Dental Service, Director of the Special Needs Dental Care Clinic, and Co-Director of the General Practice Residency Program. Her work with patients requiring specialized care deepened her understanding of the importance of empathy and individualized treatment—a foundation that continues to guide her practice today.
Dr. Ligums later joined Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she continued as a full-time instructor and dental surgeon in general dentistry. At Johns Hopkins, she contributed to several interdisciplinary teams, including the Craniofacial and Cleft Palate, Hemophiliac, and Neck Tumor Board teams, further expanding her expertise in complex and collaborative patient care.
In 2001, Dr. Ligums relocated to New Jersey, where she joined Dr. Meleo in his family-oriented dental practice. Drawing upon her extensive hospital background, she provided gentle, comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages, particularly those with special needs or dental anxieties. In 2025, she began working two days a week with Dr. Martin at Cedar Dental in North Plainfield, New Jersey, continuing to share her clinical skill and compassionate approach with a new patient community.
A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Ligums is also an active and valued member of the Central Dental Society, where she has faithfully served as Secretary for thirteen years. From the moment she volunteered for the position, she has managed her responsibilities with reliability and grace—recording meeting minutes, coordinating CDS events, reserving venues, and managing RSVPs for meetings with admirable organization and dedication.
Dr. Ligums’ philosophy centers on gentle, caring dentistry for everyone. She takes special joy in transforming patients who once feared dental visits into confident, happy patients who take pride in their oral health. Equally rewarding for her are the cosmetic transformations that allow patients to rediscover the beauty of their smiles. She enjoys performing surgery and is particularly skilled at ensuring that even new patients find the experience comfortable and positive.
Beyond her professional practice, Dr. Ligums is deeply committed to service. She has made annual volunteer trips to the Hearts for Honduras school in La Entrada, Honduras, where she provides much-needed dental care to children and families. For Dr. Ligums, giving back to the community—and the world—is her way of expressing gratitude for her blessings and professional opportunities.
Colleagues and patients alike describe Dr. Ligums as someone who leads with kindness, integrity, and enthusiasm. Her professional excellence, volunteerism, and long-standing service to organized dentistry embody the spirit of compassion that defines her life’s work.
