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

Dan Caplan and Jhanvi Desai

The Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation awards funds for pilot project

Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Jhanvi Desai and Dan Caplan received a $10,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation to support a one-year pilot project that aims to increase awareness among students and communities across Iowa of various dental service models and career opportunities in underserved areas.
Dean Stanford receives the IDA Outstanding Service Award

Stanford receives IDA President's Service Award

Monday, May 6, 2024
Clark Stanford, dean of the UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, was awarded the Outstanding Service Award from the Iowa Dental Association (IDA) on May 3.
Juhi Uttamani

Periodontics faculty member receives new grant

Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Juhi Uttamani received a $67,000 grant to investigate immune dysfunction among COVID-19 patients. Uttamani is working with colleagues at the University of Illinois in Chicago under a National Institutes of Health grant.
The Iowa Contingent at the 2024 National Oral Health Conference

A large contingent of Iowa Dentistry faculty, students, and alumni attended and presented at the National Oral Health Conference April 15-17 in St. Louis, MO.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024
A large contingent of Iowa Dentistry faculty, students, and alumni attended and presented at the National Oral Health Conference April 15-17 in St. Louis, MO.
Butali receives award at ACPA

Butali named Emerging Leader by ACPA

Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Azeez Butali, the Gilbert E. Lilly Professor of Diagnostic Sciences, was recognized at the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association’s annual meeting with the Emerging Leader Award.
William Johnson headshot

William T. Johnson receives I. B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award

Monday, April 22, 2024
Dr. Johnson, Professor Emeriti in the Department of Endodontics, receives a lifetime educator award from the American Association of Endodontists.
Steven Levy with Hayley Harvey and Julie Reynolds

Steven Levy Receives 2024 AAPHD Distinguished Service Award

Tuesday, April 16, 2024
As a respected leader in the field of dental public health, The American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) recognized Steven Levy for his contributions to the field in research, advocacy, and teaching.

The Patient-Centered Dental Home: A Framework for Quality Measurement, Improvement, and Integration

Wednesday, April 10, 2024
J.B. Herndon, J.C. Reynolds and P.C Damiano, JDR Clinical and Translational Research, 2024
Steve Levy

Iowa Dentistry Contributes to Groundbreaking Research Aimed at Reducing Childhood Tooth Decay

Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Iowa Dentistry played a significant role in a major clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) that has yielded promising results in the fight against childhood tooth decay.
Mike Kanellis on KCRG

Kanellis’ cookbook raises over $8,500 for children’s dental care

Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Professor of Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Michael Kanellis' cookbook 'Iowa Mike's Family Recipes' has provided more than $8,500 toward a fund supporting children's dental care.