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

Dr. Jeremy Bobera

2025 periodontics graduate selected as finalist for Balint Orban Memorial competition

Wednesday, July 30, 2025
A recent graduate from the Department of Periodontics, Dr. Jeremy Bobera, has been named one of eight finalists in the prestigious Balint Orban Memorial Competition.
John Warren

Expanding Community-Based Dental Public Health Training in Iowa

Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Dr. John J. Warren has received a five-year, $1.86 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to enhance the University of Iowa’s Dental Public Health program. The funding will support tuition, travel, and stipends for trainees, while expanding hands-on training in Iowa’s public health clinics. The initiative aims to better prepare dental professionals to serve underserved communities across the state.
Ariene Leme-Kraus

Dr. Ariene Leme Kraus Receives NIH Grant to Investigate Causes of a Common Dental Condition

Monday, July 28, 2025
Dr. Ariene Leme Kraus received an NIH grant to investigate how subtle changes in enamel and dentin contribute to the development of noncarious cervical lesions—a common and often painful dental condition. Her work aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of tissue breakdown, laying the groundwork for earlier diagnosis and more effective, personalized treatments to improve long-term outcomes for patients.
Students pose for a group photo. These students helped Hanny receive a new smile in a feature in the spring 2025 Dental Link.

A Smile for Hanny

Monday, July 14, 2025
Hanny arrived at His Hands Dental Clinic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with many teeth that were unrestorable or infected. Dr. Jeffrey Akey ('87 DDS) and six volunteer UI dental students came together to give Hanny her smile back.
Dr. Atienza and Dr. Dang pose for a photo in the Family Dentistry Clinic.

The Impact of Adjunct Faculty

Monday, July 14, 2025
Now a practicing dentist in Des Moines, Dr. Brian Dang ('24 DDS) still falls back on his relationship with mentor and adjunct faculty member Dr. Salvador "Buddy" Atienza ('94 DDS).
Azeez Butali as the keynote speaker at the 2023 Iowa AADOCR

Dr. Azeez Butali Awarded NIH Grant to Discover Rare Genetic Risk Factors for Orofacial Clefts

Thursday, July 10, 2025
Dr. Azeez Butali has been awarded an NIH grant to identify rare genetic variants that contribute to orofacial clefts, the most common craniofacial birth defect. His work focuses on African populations and aims to improve early diagnosis, prevention, and care. The findings could lead to more personalized treatment strategies for children and families affected by clefts worldwide.
Saba Manafi, Dr. Shin, and Dr. Moreno pose for a photo in front of Manafi's poster, while she is holding a second place ribbon.

Manafi secures 2nd Place in International Hatton Award Competition

Wednesday, July 9, 2025
University of Iowa College of Dentistry third-year dental student Saba Manafi won second place in the prestigious Hatton Competition during the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) General Session, held June 25-28 in Barcelona, Spain.
The group of Iowa representatives post for a photo with the giant IADR 2025 sign.

UI College of Dentistry stands out at IADR Conference

Wednesday, July 9, 2025
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics made a strong impression at the 2025 International Association for Dental Research (IADR) General Session, held June 25–28 in Barcelona, Spain.
Wide shot of Kinnick Stadium striped in black and gold

2025 Pregame Socials

Tuesday, July 1, 2025
UI College of Dentistry alumni and friends are invited to join faculty and staff behind the Dental Science Building on three Saturdays before Iowa football games for food, beverages, and comradery.
Emma Griffin posing with Clark Stanford, Mary Ann Vercande, and Aaron Cho at the Steven Vercande Award Luncheon.

Griffin receives Steve Vercande Award

Thursday, June 26, 2025
Third-year dental student Emma Griffin was presented the Steve Vercande Award during a special ceremony on June 24, 2025.
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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.