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

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

HRSA Grant

Friday, November 4, 2022
In July, 2020, the program received a 5-year, $2.78 million grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to establish combined advanced education training programs in Dental Public Health and either Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry or Pediatric Dentistry.
Pediatric dentistry hygienists at Career Inspire

The college participates in Career Inspire event in Cedar Rapids

Thursday, November 3, 2022
Dental hygienists from the University of Iowa Department of Pediatric Dentistry hosted a booth on various dental professions at the annual Career Inspire event held in Cedar Rapids.
2022 Corn Monument with Old Cap in the background

2022 Homecoming

Thursday, November 3, 2022
A recap of the 2022 University of Iowa Homecoming weekend.
Participants in the UI REACH outreach event

College of Dentistry hosts event for UI REACH Students

Thursday, October 20, 2022
On October 13, students from the UI REACH program learned about oral health and received one-on-one tooth brushing instructions from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

Local and National Presence on AADOCR Research Meetings this Year

Friday, October 14, 2022
The University of Iowa Orthodontics Department has had a strong presence at the AADOCR meetings this year, at both a local and national level. At the 2022 AADOCR/CADR meeting held in Atlanta, GA, Dr. Lina Moreno and Dr. Shankar Rengasamy Venugopalan were invited guest speakers
I-Ching Wang

Periodontics faculty awarded Young Researcher Grant

Thursday, October 13, 2022
The Osteology Foundation awarded I-Ching Wang, associate professor of periodontics, an almost $30K Young Researcher Grant for her project, Ultrasound-based Imaging to Detect Early Changes of Hard and Soft tissue Around Immediately Placed Implants With or Without Soft Tissue Augmentation.
Shankar Rengasamy Vengopalan

Dr. Shankar Rengasamy Venugopalan became the Fellow Nominee for the 2022-2023 ADEA Leadership Institute

Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Shankar Rengasamy Venugopalan was selected as Fellow Nominee for the 2022-2023 ADEA Leadership Institute.
Clark Stanford presenting Kyungsup Shin with the McLeran Award

Dr. Kyungsup Shin is 21st Annual James H. and Hermine E. McLeran Faculty Award Recipient

Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Dr. Kyungsup Shin receives the 21st Annual James H. and Hermine E. McLeran Faculty Award. Dr. Shin's work and dedication to the program has led to more wins at American Board of Orthodontics resident competitions than any other program in North America.
Tom Southard 2021 Headshot

Tom Southard Receives the 2022 Louise Ada Jarabak Memorial Award

Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Tom Southard is the 2022 recipient of the Louise Ada Jarabak Memorial International Teachers and Research Award. This award is given by the American Association of Orthodontists and recognizes leadership in orthodontic research and teachings.
Ann Synan receiving an alumni award

2022 Honorary Recognition of the Year: Mrs. Ann P. Synan, B.A.

Thursday, October 6, 2022
For almost 20 years, Ann Synan has been a committed advocate for dental patients, especially those who face barriers limiting access to care. As a result, she has become a fount of institutional knowledge in all things in the college, but especially so with patient care. The University of Iowa Dental Alumni Association and the College of Dentistry are proud to recognize Ann Synan’s contributions with the 2022 Honorary Recognition of the Year Award.