Jetting dispensers and methods for jetting droplets of fluid material are disclosed. A jetting dispenser may include a fluid module and a plunger. A fluid module includes a fluid body member having within it a fluid body bore, and a nozzle having a dispensing opening. A plunger has a distal tip end surface that opposes and is complementary to a nozzle element surface of the nozzle adapted is moveable between a retracted position spaced from the dispensing opening and a forward position proximate to but spaced from the nozzle. At least one droplet of fluid material is jetted from the dispensing opening as the plunger moves from the retracted position to the forward position. The plunger is stopped prior to contacting the nozzle, so wear is lessoned and fluid material containing particles may be dispensed.