Hawkeyes Make a Difference

Help us reach our goal!

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.

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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.

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.
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Together, Hawkeyes educate the next generation.

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.

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

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.

A Destination Dental School That Makes a Difference for Iowans

Participants at the 2026 Iowa Section of the AADOCR

Iowa student research group earns national recognition for most abstracts accepted at 2026 national meeting

Thursday, March 5, 2026
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics Student Research Group has been named the recipient of the AADOCR National Student Research Group (NSRG) contest for having the most student abstracts accepted for presentation at the 2026 IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session & Exhibition in San Diego.
Faculty and alumni from the Operative Dentistry graduate program take a picture together at the AOD meeting.

Department of Operative Dentistry Shines at the 54th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Operative Dentistry

Wednesday, February 25, 2026
The Department of Operative Dentistry had a strong presence at the 54th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Operative Dentistry, held in Chicago from Feb. 18–20, 2026. Faculty, residents, students, alumni, and collaborators represented the University of Iowa through leadership roles, research presentations, and professional engagement.
Ankita Samal presents at the Midwest Society of Periodontology Annual Meeting in Chicago

Iowa periodontics resident Samal earns 2nd place at Midwest Society of Periodontology case competition

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Dr. Ankita Samal, a third-year resident in the Periodontics Program at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, earned second place in the Clinical Case Competition at the Midwest Society of Periodontology Annual Meeting held in Chicago.
Hawkeye Tapestry

A Tapestry of Support: Four Professionals Strengthening Iowa Dentistry’s Research Enterprise

Monday, February 23, 2026
The College of Dentistry’s research enterprise is strengthened by four dedicated professionals whose work supports faculty, students, and trainees. Sheila Britton, Sara Miller, Abby Thomas, and Michael Tilley each play vital roles that ensure Iowa Dentistry’s research remains collaborative, organized, well communicated, and poised for continued excellence.
Shareef Dabdoub sitting as his desktop computer

Uncovering the Hidden World of Oral Viruses

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Shareef Dabdoub is advancing understanding of the oral virome through an NIH R03 grant. His research uses advanced sequencing and computational tools to explore how viruses shape oral health. This work lays the foundation for future precision approaches that may more effectively support healthy microbial communities.
Participants at the 2026 Iowa Section of the AADOCR

2026 AADOCR Iowa Section Meeting Highlights

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The College of Dentistry hosted the 73rd Annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Assocation for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research on Tuesday, February 10. The day featured faculty presentations and student oral and poster presentations around the Dental Science Building, followed by a reception for the awards ceremony later that evening.
Jeremiah Poppen and Kecia Leary

Building a Safer Dental Clinic: Jeremiah Poppen’s Research on Incident Reporting

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Jeremiah Poppen, a dental student in the Student Research Program mentored by Kecia Leary, analyzed patient safety incident reports before and after a new reporting system at the College of Dentistry. His findings highlight changing patterns in safety events and support a stronger culture of prevention, documentation, and improved care for patients and providers.
Participants at the 2026 Iowa Section of the AADOCR

2026 AADOCR Research Day Photo Gallery

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The College of Dentistry hosted the 73rd Annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Assocation for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research on Tuesday, February 10. The day featured faculty presentations and student oral and poster presentations around the Dental Science Building.
Sukirth Ganesan

Can arginine toothpaste also improve gum health?

Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Sukirth Ganesan is leading a clinical study examining whether an arginine‑containing toothpaste can influence the subgingival microbiome in patients receiving supportive periodontal care. The six‑month trial will track microbial and clinical changes to determine whether this common dentifrice ingredient can support long‑term periodontal health without increasing disease risk.
Sukirth Ganesan

Iowa periodontist explores how metabolic health shapes the oral microbiome

Wednesday, February 4, 2026
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.
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Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

New digital technologies are transforming dental practice at a rapid pace. Whether it’s computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to design and 3D-print customized restorations, dentures, orthodontia, or implants; powerful intraoral digital scanners for fast and accurate digital images of a person’s teeth; or high-resolution 4K monitors for student simulation clinics, Iowa is committed to helping our graduates thrive as they learn to use, evaluate, and apply these transformative clinical technologies.

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.

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.