College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics

Sukirth Ganesan received an NIH R01 award to study how improvements in metabolic health influence the oral microbiome. The interdisciplinary research team, led by Ganesan, includes investigators from the College of Dentistry and the Carver College of Medicine, spanning expertise in endocrinology, bariatric surgery, nutrition and dietetics, immunology, biochemistry, and computational biology. His team will track microbial and metabolic changes in the mouth over time to identify early biomarkers that support prevention and improve oral and overall health outcomes.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is home to a distinctive pharmacy model that strengthens patient care, enriches dental education, and supports collaboration across disciplines. Here are nine facts about this valuable resource.

For Karin Weber-Gasparoni, pediatric dentistry is personal. Inspired by her daughter’s journey with special health care needs, she has spent decades at Iowa pioneering programs that bring compassionate, comprehensive care to every child—starting at birth.

In São José dos Campos, Brazil, a new dental center now bears the name of Dr. Norberto Marchini—a tribute to four decades of compassionate service. For his son, Leo Marchini, a professor at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, the dedication is a reminder that his father’s values live on, from Brazil to Iowa City, in every act of care.

Matthew Yeates, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, where he works in the fully embedded pharmacy, located on the third floor of the Dental Science Building near the Family Dentistry clinic serving dental patients, faculty, and students. In this conversation, Yeates discusses the pharmacy’s role in education, patient care, and customized treatment.

Dr. Saulo Sousa Melo was announced as the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine's next Department Executive Officer, effective April 15, 2026.

Steven Fletcher, clinical professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, has been named Departmental Executive Officer (DEO) of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics following a national search.

Azeez Butali, Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, was recently recognized by the Nigerian Medical Association for his pioneering work in cleft lip and palate research.

Dr. Julie Reynolds, associate professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, will complete her term as chair of the Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) at the end of 2025. She was recently honored for her service during the DQA’s fall meeting, held at the American Dental Association headquarters in Chicago.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry has appointed Dr. Cris M.P. Vidal, DDS, MS, PhD, as the new Departmental Executive Officer of Operative Dentistry.