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.

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

Teeth constructed at Iowa's Protostudios Lab

Dental education meets Iowa innovation

Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Iowa Dentistry faculty seeking better teeth for teaching purposes found a perfect partner in Protostudios. The on-campus rapid-prototyping organization, known for transforming inventors’ ideas, delivered consistent, durable simulated teeth.
Assistant Professor Salah Abuhammoud and a prosthodontics resident showing a patient an intraoral scan

Digital innovation is transforming prosthodontics

Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Prosthodontics, under the leadership of Aaron Cho, is bringing technology and innovation in the field of prosthodontics to Iowa for the benefit patients, clinicians, residents, and students.
Lawrence Tabak

NIH Deputy Director Dr. Lawrence Tabak to present at UI College of Dentistry Research Day

Monday, January 29, 2024
Tabak is the keynote speaker of the 71st annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the AADOCR
Arshi Munjal

DDS student Arshi Munjal featured in Dare to Discover campaign

Friday, January 26, 2024
Arshi Munjal, a DDS student, was named a 2024 Dare to Discover student. Munjal is studying ways our diets can impact the oral microbiome. The primary aim of her research is to compare microbial composition and co-occurrence patters in different areas of the oral cavity and then evaluate how they vary in individuals with different diets. Research in this area is limited, so Munjal hopes to better understand how our diets influence the oral microbiome and evaluate potential consequences on dental and perioral diseases.
Ransome van der Hoeven

Ransome van der Hoeven to join UI College of Dentistry

Wednesday, January 24, 2024
The UI College of Dentistry is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ransome van der Hoeven as Associate Professor in the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research (IIOHR) and the Department of Periodontics.
Dharini van der Hoeven

van der Hoeven named Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs

Wednesday, January 24, 2024
The Univeristy of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Dharini van der Hoeven as the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for the college. She will join the college in June.
Michael Chavez

DDS student Michael Chavez featured in Dare to Discover campaign

Friday, January 19, 2024
Michael Chavez, a DDS/PhD student, was named a 2024 Dare to Discover students. Chavez is researching ways to harness the power of mineralized tissues. These mineralized tissues possess an inherent capacity for repair and regeneration. Chavez is aiming to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of mineralization to pave the way for new and innovative treatments.
Jorge Ceballos standing outside the College of Dentistry

Jorge Ceballos journey from Cuba to Storm Lake to Iowa City

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Third-year Iowa Dentistry student Jorge Ceballos comes from a family of medical professionals—but his future in the medical field was never guaranteed. Ceballos is a recent immigrant from Cuba, and if it weren’t for a chance encounter with an Iowa Dentistry alum and scholarship support, Jorge’s career path might have taken a different turn.
Jorge Ceballos standing outside the College of Dentistry

Student Profile: Jorge Ceballos

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Third-year Iowa Dentistry student Jorge Ceballos comes from a family of medical professionals—his mother is a nurse, and he has uncles, aunts and cousins who are doctors and dentists. However, his future in the medical field was never guaranteed. Ceballos is a recent immigrant from Cuba, and if it weren’t for a chance encounter with an Iowa Dentistry alum, Jorge’s career path might have taken a different turn. 
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.