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

Azeez Butali

Azeez Butali Honored for Groundbreaking Research in Cleft Lip and Palate

Tuesday, December 2, 2025
By Michael Tilley
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.
Seed Grant

Iowa Dentistry Announces 2026 Seed Grant Awards

Tuesday, December 2, 2025
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is pleased to announce the 2026 Seed Grant Awards. These grants fund innovative projects from early-career investigators or established investigators who are developing a new line of research. The 2026 recipients are Dewey Lee, Aline Petrin, Jennifer Sukalski, and Ransome van der Hoeven.
Dr. Julie Reynolds poses with a plaque commemorating her service as the Chair of the Dental Quality Alliance at the American Dental Association Headquarters in Chicago.

Reynolds concludes term as Chair of Dental Quality Alliance

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
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 College of Dentistry gets creative on Halloween

Thursday, November 6, 2025
Members of the College of Dentistry took part in the Halloween festivities last Friday, dressing up as fun characters and more!
Sukirth Ganesan

Ganesan appointed commisioner for the Commission on Dental Accreditation

Thursday, November 6, 2025
Dr. Sukirth Ganesan, Associate Professor and Director of the Advanced Education Program in Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, has been appointed as a Commissioner for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), representing the American Academy of Periodontology.
David Drake

David Drake Retires After a Distinguished Career of Research, Mentorship, and Holiday Cheer

Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Dr. David Drake is retiring after more than 30 years at Iowa. A pioneering researcher, dedicated mentor, and beloved Santa Claus, Drake leaves a legacy of scientific excellence, national leadership, and personal warmth that has shaped the College of Dentistry and the oral health research profession.
Cristina Vidal

Vidal appointed head of Operative Dentistry

Thursday, October 23, 2025
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.
Dr. Jeremy Bobera

UI alum wins 2025 Balint Orban Award

Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Dr. Jeremy Bobera (’22 DDS, ’25 MS) has been named a recipient of the 2025 Balint Orban Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Periodontology, held this year in Toronto.
Cathy and Gary Geroy pose for a photo with a plaque honoring Cathy's late father, Dr. Thaxter Miller.

Catherine Miller-Geroy and Gary Geroy establish endowed prosthodontics chair

Thursday, October 16, 2025
In one of the largest gifts in the history of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Catherine Miller-Geroy and Gary Geroy have made a commitment to endow a chair in the Department of Prosthodontics in honor of Miller-Geroy’s father, Dr. Thaxter “Thax” Miller (’54 MS, ’54 PROS).
Robert Bowers and Anvita Maharishi

CRISP grant supports study of material trends in dental restorations

Monday, October 13, 2025
Robert Bowers and Anvita Maharishi, assistant professors in the Department of Family Dentistry, received a CRISP grant to study national trends in materials used for full coverage dental restorations. Their research will analyze data from 18 dental schools to assess the shift toward all-ceramic materials and inform updates to dental education and licensure standards.
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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.