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

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.

Dental Student Research Alumni Interview: William McBride

Monday, May 2, 2022

An interview with Julie Reynolds, assistant professor in Preventive and Community Dentistry and a vocal supporter of the Dental Student Research Program. She regularly mentors current dental students in the program.

Always a Hawkeye: Leon Stanislav ('77 DDS) Receives Fluoridation Special Merit Award

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Leon Stanislav ('77 DDS) received the 2022 Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, American Dental Association, and Center for Disease Control Fluoridation Special Merit Award.

Iowa Dentistry Faculty Receive Industry Grant to Study Dental Desensitizers

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Phoenix Dental awarded Ariene Leme-Kraus and Marcos Vargas a $15,000 grant for their project In Vitro Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Potassium Oxalate Dental Desensitizer Formulas. This collaboration shows the value of academic-industry collaboration between the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and its industry partners.

Ana Diaz-Arnold with a patient and a student

Ana Diaz-Arnold Named 2022 D4 Faculty of the Year

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

For 34 years, Ana Diaz-Arnold (’84 G.P.R., ’87 M.S.) has been a fixture in the Department of Family Dentistry, teaching countless fourth-year dental students, mentoring and working alongside adjunct faculty, and treating her own patients, and as she retires in June 2022, her impact on the college and the dental profession in Iowa will remain long afterward.

A UI REACH student smiling with her provider

College of Dentistry Hosts Event for UI REACH Students

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

On April 7 and 14, 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.

Iowa at the 2022 National Oral Health Conference

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

A large contingent of University of Iowa College of Dentistry faculty, students, and alumni attended and presented at the National Oral Health Conference April 11-13 in Fort Worth, TX.

Dental Student Research Alumni Interview: Julie Reynolds

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Iowa Pediatric Dentist Making a Difference for Low-Income Cavity Prevention

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

The National Institutes of Health awarded Karin Weber-Gasparoni and her team a $4.4 million grant to evaluate a set of interventions designed to improve oral health care and reduce the risk of cavities among low-income high-caries risk infants and young children.

Barbara Wilson and Karin Weber-Gasparoni

Weber-Gasparoni Receives Hancher-Finkbine Award

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

On April 12, Karin Weber-Gasparoni, professor and chair of Pediatric Dentistry, was presented with the University of Iowa's Hancher-Finkbine Medallion for Faculty Excellence.