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

Research grant awarded to orthodontics faculty extending research on the epigenetic causes of orofacial clefting

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Aline Petrin’s research on identical twins has shed led on the epigenetic causes of orofacial clefting. Her new study explores the epigenetic causes of mirrored clefting among twins.

NIH awards supplemental grant to dental faculty member

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Azeez Butali is extending his research on the genetics of orofacial clefts in African populations so that his team improve the reception and acceptance of genetic information found in their studies.

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

Friday, August 18, 2023

J.B. Herndon, J.C. Reynolds and P.C Damiano, JDR Clinical and Translational Research, 2023

From Brazil to Iowa

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

The College of Dentistry’s new department chair in Preventive and Community Dentistry Leo Marchini grew up in Brazil with a father as a dentist, so it would make sense that Marchini would end up in the profession himself, even though he didn’t want to at first.

Iowa dental faculty receive grant to investigate genetic factors associated with periodontitis

Thursday, August 3, 2023

The National Institutes of Health via the University of Kentucky awarded Azeez Butali and Erliang Zeng a grant to identify genome-wide genetic susceptibility variants around the world.

Dr. Kyungsup Shin receives the 2023-2024 ADEA Leadership Institute Fellow nomination.

Monday, July 31, 2023

Dr. Kyungsup Shin was selected for the 2023-2024 ADEA Leader Institute Fellowship Program.

T90/R90 Oral Health Research Training Grant renewed

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Iowa Dentistry's trainee programs has been continuously funded for over 15 years, preparing the next generation of researchers in oral, dental, and craniofacial science.

Dr. Aline Petrin Nominated for Mentor of the Year

Monday, July 10, 2023

The University of Iowa Orthodontics Department congratulates Dr. Aline Petrin on her Mentor of the Year nomination. Dr. Aline Petrun currently serves as an Assitant Professor and holds many awards and honors for her contributions to the department. Dental Student, Amanda Seaberg, nominated Dr. Petrin because of her commitment to furthering epigenetic research and leaving a remarkable impact on her students' learning.

Welcome Dr. Emma Mueldener

Friday, June 30, 2023

Dr. Emma Mueldener has joined the faculty team in the Orthodontics Department. After completing her undergraduate, masters, and oral science degrees at the University of Iowa, the clinic is excited to welcome her as a full-time clinical assistant professor.

Welcome Dr. Steve Marshall

Friday, June 30, 2023

The Orthodontics Department is excited to welcome Dr. Steve Marshall as an official faculty member! Dr. Marshall has previously assisted our department and will now serve as a full-time clinical professor of orthodontics.