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

class of 2023 headshots ABO certified

ABO-Board Certification Update

Friday, August 30, 2024
Drs. Lea Sarment and Melissa Morawski (Class of 2023) successfully passed the ABO clinical exam and became diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Congratulations and we are so proud of your accomplishment!

GORP 2024 Meeting

Friday, August 30, 2024
class of 2026 selfie with Dr. Shin

Welcome Class of 2026!

Friday, August 30, 2024
Meet our excellent Class of 2026 residents!
holly ehlts

Celebrating Holly Ehlts' Promotion to Senior Dental Assistant

Thursday, August 29, 2024
Congratulate Holly Ehlts on her promotion to Senior Dental Assistant after almost 2 years in the Orthodontic Department at the University of Iowa.
Aline Petrin conducting research

Dr. Aline Petrin: Shaping the Future of Dentistry with Innovative Research

Thursday, August 29, 2024
Meet Dr. Aline Petrin, an esteemed member of the orthodontics faculty at the University of Iowa. Renowned for her dedication to genetics research and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, Dr. Petrin is a vital part of our clinic's academic and research community.
Anvita Maharishi

Dr. Anvita Maharishi Receives $10,000 Grant from American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry

Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Dr. Anvita Maharishi, assistant professor of Family Dentistry at the University of Iowa, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED) to support her research project on chairside graded zirconia materials.
Dan Caplan receives the Collegiate Teaching Award

College of Dentistry kicks off 2024-25 academic year

Wednesday, August 21, 2024
The UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics held it’s annual All-College Conference on Aug. 19 in Galagan Auditorium. The event symbolically kicked off the 2024-25 academic year for the college.
Lina Moreno in her lab

Dr. Moreno named as endowed chair

Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Dr. Lina Moreno, chair of and professor in the Department of Orthodontics, has been named the B.F. and Helen E. Dewel Chair in Clinical Orthodontics.
Shareef Dabdoub

University of Iowa Researcher Receives NIH Grant to Unlock Secrets of the Oral Virome

Thursday, August 15, 2024
A University of Iowa researcher Dr. Shareef Dabdoub has been awarded a grant (R03) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) to investigate the complex role of viruses in oral health and disease. The grant, totaling $311,000, will support two years of research.
Drs. Walton, Caplan, and Shin along with friend Kenneth Wall and Kurt Roghan take a picture in Burlington after completing RAGBRAI.

Iowa Dentistry takes on RAGBRAI 2024

Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Several members of the UI College of Dentistry participated in RAGBRAI 2024. Check out photos from their ride.