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

Victor Feitosa headshot

Bringing innovation to Iowa classrooms and clinics

Friday, October 3, 2025
A patient expecting to wait weeks for a dental crown is surprised when the procedure is finished in a single afternoon. For Victor Feitosa, moments like this show how digital dentistry is reshaping care—and why he is excited to be teaching at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics.
Aline Petrin

CRISP grant supports study of genetic variation in Van der Woude syndrome

Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Aline Petrin, assistant professor of orthodontics, received a CRISP grant to complete genetic screening of patients with Van der Woude syndrome. Her study will help clarify how genetic mutations influence disease severity and support future research into epigenetic factors that shape cleft phenotypes and guide individualized treatment strategies.
Mojisola Olujitan headshot

Olujitan Awarded Ballard & Seashore Fellowship

Thursday, September 25, 2025
Olujitan receives Fellowship to support final stages of her dissertation by providing protected time for research and writing.
Derek Smith

Derek Smith Named Director of Biostatistics and Computational Biology

Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The College of Dentistry welcomes Derek Smith as Director of the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology and associate professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry. Smith’s research applies statistical methods to oral health and cancer care. He brings extensive experience in clinical research, graduate education, and national guideline development to his new role.
IASDA 2025 BBQ

IASDA hosts BBQ to celebrate start of academic year

Thursday, September 18, 2025
On the first Sunday of September, the Iowa American Student Dental Association (IASDA) hosted a barbeque to kick off the new academic year. This is the second year that IASDA has hosted the event.
A group of alumni pose for a photo with Herky during the 2025 Alumni Reunion Reception at The Graduate Hotel on Sept. 12, 2025.

3 Alumni celebrated during 2025 reunion weekend

Thursday, September 18, 2025
Garland Hershey, Eric teDuits, and Sara Stuefen, were recognized as Iowa's Educator of the Year, Alumnus of the Year, and Rising Star Awardee on September 12, 2025 at The Graduate Hotel in downtown Iowa City.
Dr. Jeffrey Marschall

Marschall recognized as Fellow of the American College of Surgeons

Thursday, September 18, 2025
Dr. Jeffrey Marschall, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon dually appointed at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, has been recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).
Steve Levy and Shaoping Zhang

NIDCR grant supports new statistical tools to study oral disease relationships

Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Steven Levy and Shaoping Zhang are contributing to a new NIDCR-funded study developing statistical tools to explore links between dental caries and periodontal disease. The project uses national oral health data and will produce an open-source software package to help researchers improve analysis and support better patient outcomes.
Two people

Liu Hong, Hongli Sun appointed to research leadership roles at the College of Dentistry

Thursday, September 4, 2025
The College of Dentistry is pleased to announce that Dr. Liu Hong has been appointed interim director of the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, where he will oversee daily operations of the college’s research laboratories and facilities. Dr. Hongli Sun has been named Director of the Graduate Program in Oral Science. A nationally recognized researcher and educator, Sun brings expertise in nano-biomaterials and regenerative medicine, along with a strong commitment to graduate training and mentorship.
Michelle McQuistan

CRISP Grant Supports Study to Improve Communication and Reduce Complications After Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Dr. Michelle McQuistan, associate professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, has received a CRISP grant to study whether the Teach-Back Method can improve patient understanding and reduce complications following wisdom tooth extractions. Her team will conduct a randomized trial to evaluate outcomes such as adherence to instructions, post-operative complications, and patient satisfaction as part of Dr. Ankita Vishwamitra’s thesis project in Dental Public Health.
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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.