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

UI alum wins 2025 Balint Orban Award

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Dr. Jeremy Bobera (’22 DDS, ’25 MS) has been named a recipient of the 2025 Balint Orban Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Periodontology, held this year in Toronto.

Cathy and Gary Geroy pose for a photo with a plaque honoring Cathy's late father, Dr. Thaxter Miller.

Catherine Miller-Geroy and Gary Geroy establish endowed prosthodontics chair

Thursday, October 16, 2025

In one of the largest gifts in the history of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Catherine Miller-Geroy and Gary Geroy have made a commitment to endow a chair in the Department of Prosthodontics in honor of Miller-Geroy’s father, Dr. Thaxter “Thax” Miller (’54 MS, ’54 PROS).

CRISP grant supports study of material trends in dental restorations

Monday, October 13, 2025

Robert Bowers and Anvita Maharishi, assistant professors in the Department of Family Dentistry, received a CRISP grant to study national trends in materials used for full coverage dental restorations. Their research will analyze data from 18 dental schools to assess the shift toward all-ceramic materials and inform updates to dental education and licensure standards.

Bringing innovation to Iowa classrooms and clinics

Friday, October 3, 2025

A patient expecting to wait weeks for a dental crown is surprised when the procedure is finished in a single afternoon. For Victor Feitosa, moments like this show how digital dentistry is reshaping care—and why he is excited to be teaching at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics.

CRISP grant supports study of genetic variation in Van der Woude syndrome

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Aline Petrin, assistant professor of orthodontics, received a CRISP grant to complete genetic screening of patients with Van der Woude syndrome. Her study will help clarify how genetic mutations influence disease severity and support future research into epigenetic factors that shape cleft phenotypes and guide individualized treatment strategies.

Olujitan Awarded Ballard & Seashore Fellowship

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Olujitan receives Fellowship to support final stages of her dissertation by providing protected time for research and writing.

Derek Smith Named Director of Biostatistics and Computational Biology

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

The College of Dentistry welcomes Derek Smith as Director of the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology and associate professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry. Smith’s research applies statistical methods to oral health and cancer care. He brings extensive experience in clinical research, graduate education, and national guideline development to his new role.

College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics