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

Variation in General Dentists Patterns of Sealant Use in Children with Elevated Caries Risk

Sunday, October 29, 2023
S.C. McKernan, E.T. Momany, J.M.C. Sukalski, M.P. Jones, P.C. Damiano and R.A. Kuthy, JDR Clinical and Translational Research, 2023
Jackie Yeh shown with her award and Cris Vidal and Salah Abuhammoud

Jackie Yeh wins research award

Saturday, October 28, 2023
Third-year DDS student Jackie Yeh received the Academy of Dental Materials University Student Award for her research with Dr. Salah Abuhammoud and Dr. Carlos Jurado.
North End of DSB exterior

Dental Admissions breaks application records

Friday, October 27, 2023
For the second consecutive year, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry's Dental Admissions Office set a record for most dental school applications received.
Jeff Marschall headshot

Marschall joins Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Thursday, October 26, 2023
Jeff Marschall has recently joined the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as a clinical assistant professor. In addition, he holds a dual appointment in the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Kirk Fridrich headshot

Fridrich named Patient's Choice Provider

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Kirk Fridrich, head of the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS), was named a Patient’s Choice Provider for FY23.
Iowa Dentistry participants at IMOM 2023

IMOM Recap 2023

Thursday, October 19, 2023
The Iowa Mission of Mercy was held on October 13-14 in Waterloo. Over the weekend, the dentists and dental staff saw 1,080 patients. All dental care at the event is provided for free to those who come and are willing to wait. Services provided to the patients include cleanings, restorations, minor oral surgery, endodontic and periodontal care as well as removable prosthodontics (e.g., “flippers”).
Azeez Butali with his professorship medallion

Azeez Butali named as endowed professor

Thursday, October 12, 2023
Azeez Butali was named the Gilbert E. Lilly Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Iowa. 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.
Dan Caplan and Marsha Cunningham-Ford pose for a picture together after Caplan receives 2023 Educator of the Year award.

Dan Caplan ('88 DDS) named 2023 Educator of the Year

Monday, October 9, 2023
Professor Dan Caplan, a 1988 graduate of the College of Dentistry and head of the college’s Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry from 2007- 2022, is named 2023 Educator of the Year. For Dan, who grew up in Iowa City in a family that valued education, the opportunity to shape future dentists and the school that teaches them has been a gratifying experience.
Kyungsup Shin with his medallion

Kyungsup Shin named as endowed professor

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Kyungsup Shin was named the Ross D. Christensen Family Professor of Orthodontics on September 21. Shin is a shining example of Iowa's excellence in research, teaching, and clinical care.
Janet Guttmiller

Janet Guthmiller ('88 DDS) named Leader of the Year 2023

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Janet Guthmiller, dean of the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry and a 1988 graduate of Iowa Dentistry, has been named Leader of the Year 2023. Janet was a faculty member at Iowa from 1997 to 2007 and credits this experience, and others in academia, with preparing her to take on top-tier leadership roles.