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

Five People

Iowa endodontics makes a strong academic impact at AAE 2026

Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The University of Iowa Department of Endodontics delivered a strong academic presence at the 2026 American Association of Endodontists Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Group photo of American Board of Periodontology

UI faculty member selected as examiner for American Board of Periodontology

Thursday, May 7, 2026
Dr. Sukirth Ganesan, associate professor and graduate program director in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, recently served as an examiner for the oral examination component of the American Board of Periodontology, held April 27–May 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
University of Iowa participants in the National Oral Health Conference 2026

Iowa Dentistry Well Represented at the 2026 National Oral Health Conference

Thursday, April 23, 2026
Faculty, students, residents, and alumni from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics had strong representation at this year’s National Oral Health Conference, which brings together leaders in dental public health from across the country.
Kyungsup Shin headshot

Shin named Department Executive Officer of Orthodontics

Thursday, April 16, 2026
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kyungsup Shin as Departmental Executive Officer (DEO) of the Department of Orthodontics, effective July 1, 2026.
Hongli Sun and Jacob Miszuk

Hongli Sun's research team has their work recognized as a top‑cited article

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Research led by Hongli Sun has received national recognition for its impact in the field of biomaterials science. A paper published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials has been named one of the journal’s top 10 most‑cited articles published in 2024, according to the publisher Wiley.
ADEA Group Photo 2026

Iowa faculty and students lead, present at 2026 ADEA Annual Session

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Faculty, students, and staff from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics contributed to the 2026 American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Annual Session through presentations, workshops, and research posters, while also marking leadership milestones within the organization. Their work highlights Iowa’s ongoing impact on dental education, research, and professional service.
Danielle Wingrove headshot

Wingrove named endodontics DEO

Wednesday, March 25, 2026
After a national search, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Danielle Wingrove as the college's next Department Executive Officer in the Department of Endodontics, starting July 2026.
IIOHR lab beakers

How research at Iowa is rethinking the way cavities are treated

Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Dental caries are the most prevalent disease in the world and at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, researchers are exploring novel ways to stop caries progression and promote repair.
Michael Chavez headshot

Chavez receives AAO foundation research award

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Dr. Michael Chavez, first-year resident in the Department of Orthodontics, has received a 2026 American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Foundation Research Award.