Greetings TruestExpression,
We understand that app icons are missing from the Dock.
Let’s begin by working through some troubleshooting. If we suggest a step you’ve already completed, no need to repeat. Does restarting your Mac change this behavior, even temporarily?
Next, let’s boot to safe mode and check if the same thing happens. How to use safe mode on your Mac
Then, test while booted to a new user on your Mac. Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac
All these steps are going to help isolate the situation and tell us more about when and where it occurs.
Thanks.