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

Steve Vercande receiving Honorary Recognition award from the University of Iowa Dental Alumni Association

Steven "Steve" Vercande passed away

Thursday, January 19, 2023
Steven "Steve" Vercande, a longtime staff member in the Department of Prosthodontics, passed away on January 18, 2023. He leaves a deep and abiding legacy at the college and the entire dental profession in Iowa. He will be missed. Information about arrangements will be communicated as they become available.
Patient receiving care in the Geriatric and Special Needs clinic

Profile: Howard J. Cowen, DDS, MS, DABSCD, FICD

Thursday, December 15, 2022
When Howard Cowen (’76 DDS, ’95 MS) joined the University of Iowa College of Dentistry faculty in 1982, he served as the Director of the Geriatric Mobile Dental Unit, which provided care to elderly patients across the state starting in 1979. Throughout his career, Cowen has focused on making sure that underserved populations receive the highest quality dental care, and has helped to shape the educational offerings to dental students in the field of underserved populations.

Winter Gathering and Ornament Contest

Thursday, December 15, 2022
The 2023 winter gathering at the College of Dentistry was a great success. In addition to celebrating together with colleagues, the college enjoyed sharing good food and looking at the various ornaments submitted for the college's 2023 Winter Ornament Contest Winners. 
Clark Stanford walking by the College of Dentistry with a tote in hand

Guiding the Ship Home

Thursday, December 8, 2022
As an alumnus, a gifted clinician, and a cutting-edge researcher, Clark Stanford is ready to get to work as the dean of his alma mater and to build on its legacy and strengths as it becomes Iowa's dental hospital.
Axel Ruprecht

Historical impressions: Specialty in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Thursday, December 8, 2022
The approval of the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMR) specialty by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1999 can be largely attributed to two individuals: Axel Ruprecht, former professor, UI College of Dentistry’s Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine; and Mel Kantor, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire.
Ida Rose

Ida Rose gift

Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Our sincerest thanks to Ida Rose (’99 DDS) for her generous gift establishing a new scholarship in support of underrepresented students in the College of Dentistry.
Students participating in the 2022 poverty simulation

Developing empathy for patients experiencing poverty

Thursday, December 1, 2022
In November, 84 dental students role-played the experiences of low-income patients as part of the College of Dentistry's annual poverty simulation. This simulation helps students develop cognitive and affective empathy which enhances their ability to plan treatments that patients can realistically implement.

In Memoriam

Friday, November 18, 2022
We were saddened learn of the death of one of our program alumni, Dr. Rahul Nair (MS, 2008) who died in an automobile accident on November 4, 2022. 
John Warren

Scratching the Itch

Friday, November 11, 2022
The term “seven-year itch” is a belief that after a certain amount of time – usually about 7 years – there is a psychological need to change or do something new.  After nearly seven years of not producing a Dental Public Health Alumni Newsletter, there is now a definite ‘itch’ to once again send out an annual newsletter.  So, for the first time since 2015, we have a DPH Alumni Newsletter for your reading enjoyment. 
Historical intramural dental team

Dentistry rocks Iowa intramurals

Thursday, November 10, 2022
From very early on, Iowa Dentistry has always had a reputation as intramural juggernauts. 2022 was not exception to this trend!