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

AAC

Iowa was well represented at the joint American Academy of Cariology and AAPD Meeting

Thursday, June 16, 2022
The American Academy of Cariology (AAC) held its 6th Annual Conference, "Caries Prevention in a Modern World: Infants, Children, Adolescents and Special Health Care Needs Population," in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Several faculty presented their research and Sandra Guzman-Armstrong was elected president of the AAC.
All four OPRM award winners

2022 OPRM Award Winners

Thursday, June 2, 2022
On May 12, 2022, the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine (OPRM) held their annual student award luncheon. This luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate the successes of OPRM students and to recognize their accomplishments.
OPRM students with their awards

2023 OPRM Award Winners

Thursday, June 2, 2022
On May 11, 2023, the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine (OPRM) held their annual student award luncheon.This luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate the successes of OPRM students and to recognize their accomplishments.
College of Dentistry Building

Awards for Graduating Fourth-Year Students

Thursday, June 2, 2022
Several fourth-year dental students received awards for their efforts as dental students. Dean Clark Stanford presented the awards to Abigail Wieland, JoElla Guagliardo, and Emily Starman.
Clark Stanford speaking at alumni reception

Hawkeyes at IDEAS22

Thursday, June 2, 2022
The 2022 Iowa Dental Association's annual meeting (IDEAS) was held at the end of April in Des Moines. The University of Iowa held an alumni reception at the annual meeting, and since it was the first in-person annual meeting since the pandemic began, the event announced and presented numerous award winners, which including many Hawkeyes! 
Sydney Woods

Woods recognized in Dare to Discover campaign

Friday, May 20, 2022
Sydney Woods (D3) received the University of Iowa’s Office of the Vice President for Research’s “Dare to Discover” Banner Award.
Azeez Butali with Waheed Awotoye

Butali recognized for his efforts as a mentor

Thursday, May 19, 2022
Butali serves as a mentor to numerous other students and researchers, and on May 12, he received a Faculty Award recognizing those efforts. Butali’s students shared their appreciation with the Hawkeye Smile for their mentor.
Students, Sherry Timmons, Clark Stanford, and Anatomy and Cell Biology faculty

Dental Student Anatomy Awards

Thursday, May 12, 2022
At its annual Student Awards Ceremony, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology presented awards to two dental students, Colton Curtis and Sydney Woods.
Hong Chen

Iowa Dental Faculty Lead National Effort on Advancing Predoctoral Dental Education in Temporomandibular Disorders

Thursday, May 12, 2022
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the second-most common form of musculoskeletal pain, affecting up to one-third of Americans. Iowa dental faculty are on the cutting-edge of TMD care and are leading the way in ensuring that dental students receive adequate and proper education for understanding, preventing, and treating TMD.
Chris Barwacz

Dental Researchers Receive Industry-Sponsored Grant to Improve Implant Outcomes

Thursday, May 12, 2022
The dental equipment and supplies company, Dentsply Sirona, awarded Chris Barwacz a $160,000+ award to evaluate outcomes for a newly designed implant. The study will evaluate outcomes associated with dental implants, and it shows how a mutually beneficial relationship between the college and industry partners improves patient care.