A New Day for Iowa Dentistry

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

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

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

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

Dentistry professor explores post removal strategies for generalists

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

An Yi Ma's research investigating various types of fiber post removal strategies lays the foundation for an evidence-based set of practices for fiber post removal in a general dentist's office.

Clark Stanford and OKU President Peter Loomer

Stanford elected Supreme Chapter President of Omicron Kappa Upsilon

Monday, March 18, 2024

At the OKU's General Business Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, Stanford was named President of this prestigious organization.

PCDH Core Set: Claims and Electronic Dental Record Based Measures for Pilot Implementation

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Jill Boylston Herndon, Julie C Reynolds, Peter C Damiano and Jesley C. Ruff, 2024

Obenauf receives national ASDA Legislative Liaison of the Year Award

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Obenauf was recognized for effectively promoting engagement in advocacy initiatives within her chapter. In her role as ASDA’s legislative liaison, she traveled to Washington D.C. last year to advocate for a bill that would allow dental residents to defer their student loans while in residency.

Operative dentistry professor explores how bioactive materials can prevent degradation of bonding interface on adhesive restorations

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Thiago Soares Porto's research on bioactive glasses with niobum nanoparticles is intended to develop a novel adhesive system capable of enhancing the quality and longevity of dental restorations

The grant administration team for the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research

Supporting Excellence: Iowa Dentistry’s Research Support Team

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Like most high-level research universities, Iowa Dentistry relies on its grant administration team to help faculty develop their grant applications, ensuring that the applications meet all grant requirements while providing feedback to faculty members identifying potential weakness in the grant application. Ann Lawler, Mikaela Rhoads, and Maria Bertorello make up the grant administration team, and Iowa Dentistry's research successes are due in no small part to their on-going efforts to support our faculty and researchers.

Iowa Periodontist examines the function of PGRPs in periodontal disease

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Sivaraman Prakasam, associate professor and head of the Department of Periodontics, is investigating a particular group of proteins that discriminates between good and bad bacteria in a person’s gingiva (gum) and mouth to modulate the body’s immune response. His research could lead to new tools that can prevent or treat periodontitis.

Dr. Lawrence Tabak receives a plaque to memorialize his visit during the 2024 Research Day

Photo Gallery: 2024 Research Day

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Check out these sights from the 71st Anniversary of the Iowa Section of the AADOCR.

Student Research Profile: Improving Dry Mouth and Oral Health in Older Populations with Dentures

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

The Dental Student Research Program at Iowa Dentistry has a long and venerable tradition of teaching students to conduct and think critically about research. Fourth-year dental student Colton Curtis exemplifies these qualities in his work investigating methods to improve dry mouth and oral health in older populations with dentures. Curtis’ experience over the course of his dental career illustrates this well. He began doing research in his first year, but it took him a while to zero in on the right topic.

Leary, Cho named ADEA Leadership Institute Fellows

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Dr. Leary and Dr. Cho to participate in year-long professional development program.