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

DDS student Jeremiah Poppen (D4) featured in Dare to Discover campaign

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Jeremiah Poppen (D4) was featured in the 2026 Dare to Discover Campaign for the University of Iowa Office of the Vice President of Research. Poppen's research investigates how dentists respond to emergencies in the clinic.

Ganesan delivers open plenary address at annual scientific conference

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Sukirth Ganesan, associate professor and director of the Advanced Education Program in Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, recently served as the open plenary session speaker at the 20th PHSU-PRI Annual Scientific Conference and fourth RCMI Symposium on Health Disparities in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Dr. Steven Marshall speaking at the ABO awards

Steven D. Marshall receives 2026 Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Steven D. Marshall, clinical professor in the University of Iowa Department of Orthodontics, has received the 2026 Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO).

A picture of the His Hands sign in front of the clinic.

31 students provide care at His Hands Dental Clinic

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

During the 2025–26 academic year, 31 University of Iowa College of Dentistry students, one resident, and one dentist volunteered their time at His Hands Dental Clinic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Ganesan standing at a podium in front of his presentation to NIH members.

University of Iowa researcher invited to present at NIH advisory council meeting

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Sukirth Ganesan presented University of Iowa research on metabolic disease and oral health at the 242nd National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council Meeting hosted by the National Institutes of Health.

Student awardee picture during the Department of Family Dentistry award banquet.

Department of Family Dentistry hosts annual student awards presentation

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

The Department of Family Dentistry recognized student achievement during its annual awards presentation on May 21, 2026, in Room W220 of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

Iowa periodontics faculty pose for a photo at the AAP meeting.

UI periodontics experts help lead national peri-implantitis prevention meeting

Thursday, May 21, 2026

The American Academy of Periodontology recently convened the Best Evidence Consensus Meeting on the Prevention of Peri-Implantitis in Chicago from May 15–18.

Periodontics Hosts 2026 Awards Banquet

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

On Wednesday, May 14, 2026, the Department of Periodontics held its annual awards luncheon in W220 at the College of Dentistry. Awards were presented to D2 and D4 students in recognition of academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership, and commitment to the specialty of periodontics.

Iowa endodontics makes a strong academic impact at AAE 2026

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The University of Iowa Department of Endodontics delivered a strong academic presence at the 2026 American Association of Endodontists Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Group photo of American Board of Periodontology

UI faculty member selected as examiner for American Board of Periodontology

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Dr. Sukirth Ganesan, associate professor and graduate program director in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, recently served as an examiner for the oral examination component of the American Board of Periodontology, held April 27–May 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina.