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

Hiromi Saisho

University of Iowa dental faculty expert in restorations evaluates commercially available flowable composites

Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Dr. Hiromi Saisho, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Dentistry, has received a CRISP grant to evaluate the mechanical performance of flowable resin composites. Her in-vitro study will assess fracture toughness and flexural strength across multiple formulations, aiming to guide clinicians in selecting materials that improve restoration longevity and reduce failure.
Brad Amendt headshot

Iowa team advances gene treatment to prevent premature skull fusion in newborns

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
University of Iowa researchers, led by Dr. Brad Amendt, successfully tested a nano-sized packet that released a single gene to prevent craniosynostosis. The research team aims to begin human clinical trials in the next one to two years.
Dean Stanford and Marcela Hernandez posing for a photo after Hernandez received the 2025 McLeran Faculty Award

Hernandez receives 2025 McLeran Faculty Award

Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Dr. Marcela Hernandez was honored with the 2025 James H. and Hermine E. McLeran Faculty Award at the All College Conference on August 18.
Seed Grant

Iowa Dentistry Announces 2025 Seed Grant Awards

Wednesday, August 20, 2025
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is pleased to announce the 2025 Seed Grant Awards. This is the fifth year of the seed grant program, and these grants fund innovative projects from early-career investigators or established investigators who are developing a new line of research.
Julie Reynolds

Iowa Dentistry Awarded Competitive Renewal to Advance Patient-Centered Dental Home Model

Wednesday, August 20, 2025
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry has received a competitive renewal of a grant from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health to expand its Patient-Centered Dental Home (PCDH) project. Led by Dr. Julie Reynolds and Dr. Pete Damiano, the project will pilot new adult-focused quality measures, test care delivery standards, and explore patient-reported outcomes to improve dental care quality and integration with broader health systems.
Eric Van Otterloo working with a lab member

University of Iowa Researchers Awarded NIH Grant to Uncover Genetic Mechanisms Behind Oral and Skin Development

Monday, August 11, 2025
Dr. Huojun Cao (Endodontics) and Dr. Eric Van Otterloo (Periodontics) have been awarded a $3 million NIH R01 grant to investigate how genetic programs guide the development of oral, dental, and skin tissues in the lower jaw.
A group photo of the volunteers in St. Lucia, who provided free dental care.

Justman participates in dental outreach clinic in St. Lucia

Monday, August 11, 2025
Professor Emeritus Bruce Justman joined an international volunteer team providing free dental care to more than 600 patients across St. Lucia, West Indies.
Jeff Banas

Banas Appointed Associate Dean for Research at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry

Friday, August 8, 2025
Dr. Jeff Banas was appointed the UI College of Dentistry's next Associate Dean for Research.
Franciele Floriani

Floriani publishes guide to scientific writing

Thursday, July 31, 2025
Dr. Franciele Floriani, clinical assistant professor in the department of prosthodontics, has published a new book designed to help educators, and professionals bring their research ideas to life.
Maura Vroman Headshot

A Lifelong Learner: Dr. Maura Vroman’s Impact on Orthodontics and Education

Thursday, July 31, 2025
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is proud to highlight Dr. Maura Vroman, whose journey in orthodontics has had a profoundly positive impact on both her patients and her students in the classroom. With a career dedicated to continuous learning and putting the patient first, Dr. Vroman has become a valuable resource within our adjunct faculty.
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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.