Hawkeyes Make a Difference

Since 1882, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has focused on meeting the needs of our patients. Clinical care frames and undergirds our approach to dental education and our commitment to translating oral science research and discovery into reality for our patients.   

As the only dental school in the State of Iowa and a nationally leading program in terms of clinical experience, the college plays a vital role in meeting the oral health needs of Iowans.

160,000

Patient visits each year.

98 of 99

Iowa counties have our dental graduates practicing there.

14.2

of every 100,000 Iowans will develop oral cancer.

The State of Iowa has the highest rate of oral cancer in the country at 14.2 per 100,000 people.

  • Excellence in patient care makes a difference for each patient seen.

  • Excellence in health care education makes a difference in each patient seen by future dentists and specialists.

  • Excellence in research and discovery revolutionizes and transforms oral health care for millions.

Together, Hawkeyes advance research and discovery

Hongli Sun conducting research

Iowa Dentistry continues to rapidly expand its research and discovery, exceling in regenerative biomedicine, genetic research, and biomaterials, alongside an innovative oral cancer program. This expansive research and discovery mission is establishing Iowa as a global leader in oral science research, which benefits everyday Iowans.

2nd

in the Big 10 for research dollars received

In 2022, Iowa received $5.4 million in research funding from The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). These funds account for about half of Iowa Dentistry's external research support.

$9,471,347

in external research funding received.

Since 2020, Iowa Dentistry's seed grants have resulted in almost $10 million in external research funding. These funds are excellent tools to recruit and retain high-caliber, early career faculty.

Together, Hawkeyes educate the next generation.

White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2027 and the Advanced Standing Class of 2025

As a national leader in the amount and quality of student clinical experiences, our students receive an unparalleled dental education over the course of their four years. These patient experiences and our comprehensive educational programs ensure that Iowa’s dental workforce meets the current and future needs of the state.

1,135

students applied to our DDS program in 2023

This record-breaking number shows that Iowa remains a destination DDS program for students from all over the country.

10 of 12

recognized advanced training programs available

The American Dental Association recognizes 12 dental advanced specialties. With 10 advanced training programs and two other innovative programs, our students receive the highest quality dental education.

Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

New technologies are transforming the practice of dentistry. Whether it’s computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to design and 3D-printed restorations, dentures or implants; intraoral digital scanners for fast and accurate images; or high-resolution monitors for simulation clinics, Iowa is committed to helping our students thrive as they learn to use and apply these transformative technologies.

8

In-house 3D printers

Iowa Dentistry has 8 in-house 3D printers that have enabled the college to fabricate a wide variety of dental materials, ranging from dentures to invisible aligners.

80

Simulation Operatories

The Sim Clinic, Iowa Dentistry's hands-on skills clinic, has 80 operatories that are intended to help first- and second-year dental students practice in a realistic, simulated environment.

A Global Leader

Mary Young with her mentor Azeez Butali

Spearheading an International Network of Cleft Lip and Palate Research for African Populations

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Azeez Butali is a global leader in cleft lip and palate research and the world’s foremost expert in the genetics of these conditions in African populations. As part of his research mission, he has also spearheaded the formation of a diverse, international network of researchers in Africa and the US to develop, refine, and apply their findings for the benefit of African populations and their genetic descendants. 

Making a Difference in Iowa

Karin Weber-Gasparoni high-fiving a patient in the WIC clinic

Preventive Oral Health Care for Toddlers and Infants

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Karin Weber-Gasparoni is passionate about supporting new caregivers and improving oral health for underserved populations. Her collaborative clinical research initiatives are transforming oral health care for toddlers and infants in Iowa, and are laying the foundation for changing how oral health care is provided for the youngest of us.

A Destination Dental School That Makes a Difference for Iowans

Volunteers provide care to a patient at the free clinic.

Smiles for Seniors expands access to dental care for older adults

Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Smiles for Seniors brings University of Iowa dental students, faculty, and community partners together to provide free dental care for older adults while giving students meaningful hands-on experience.
Lisa Hebl receiving a check

Alumna Lisa Hebl highlighted on KCRG

Thursday, August 6, 2026
Dr. Hebl turned a dental service trip into The Guatemala Project. It has built nearly 300 homes in Guatemala.
Jeff Banas

New Gerber Foundation Award Will Test Home-Based Strategy to Prevent Early Childhood Tooth Decay

Thursday, August 6, 2026
With support from the Gerber Foundation, Jeff Banas and Mike Kanellis are leading a study to evaluate a simple, home-based approach that could help prevent tooth decay among children at highest risk for disease.
Ahmad Alkazaleh headshot

Alkhaza'leh named operative dentistry graduate program director

Wednesday, August 5, 2026
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has named Dr. Ahmad Alkhaza'leh graduate program director for the Advanced Education Program in Operative Dentistry, effective Aug. 3, 2026.
Anelise Viapiana Masiero

CRISP-funded endodontic research advances understanding of irrigation techniques and sealer performance

Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Anelise Viapiana Masiero's research project supported by the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics' Clinical/Dental Education Research Initiative Support Program (CRISP) has generated new findings that could help clinicians improve root canal treatment outcomes while advancing understanding of emerging endodontic materials and techniques.
Erliang Zeng

New NIH Grant Will Advance Prevention of Early Childhood Tooth Decay Through Study of the Oral Microbiome

Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Erliang Zeng, Jeff Banas, and Karin Weber-Gasparoni at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics have received a new National Institutes of Health R01 award to better understand how early preventive interventions influence the oral microbiome and protect children from developing tooth decay.
Matthew Lee headshot

Periodontics resident selected as 2026 Smigel Scholar

Thursday, July 23, 2026
Matthew Lee, a resident in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, was selected as a Smigel Scholar for the 2026 American Society for Dental Aesthetics Annual Conference.
Aline Petrin

University of Iowa Researcher Receives NIH Grant to Investigate Epigenetic Mechanisms Behind Orofacial Clefts

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Aline Petrin, assistant professor at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, has received a National Institutes of Health award to advance understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying nonsyndromic orofacial clefts, the most common craniofacial birth defect worldwide.

Tuned to Care

Tuesday, July 14, 2026
For second-year dental student Ingrid Streitz, music, mental health advocacy, and dentistry all share a common purpose: building trust, strengthening communities, and helping people thrive.
Leo Marchini instructs a dental student in the GSN clinic.

Marchini appointment highlights Iowa’s global leadership in special care dentistry

Monday, July 13, 2026
Through compassionate patient care, education, research, and outreach—including the Geriatric Mobile Unit—Iowa is helping shape the future of care for older adults and people with disabilities.