Hawkeyes Make a Difference

Help us reach our goal!

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

Aparna Ingleshwar giving a poster presentation

Ingleshwar Earns Leverett Graduate Student Merit Award

Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Aparna Shivanand Ingleshwar was awarded first place for the 2022 Leverett Graduate Student Merit Award by the American Association of Public Health Dentistry for Outstanding Achievement in Dental Public Health.
Clark Stanford Arriving on his first name back at the College of Dentistry

Interview with Dean Stanford

Thursday, April 7, 2022
Dean Stanford graciously sat down for an interview to discuss how it feels to be back at Iowa and his priorities over the coming weeks and months.
Clark Stanford

Clark Stanford begins as the 14th Dean of the UI College of Dentistry

Friday, April 1, 2022
On April 1, Clark Stanford returned to his alma mater to become the 14th dean of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics. He holds the Edwin Green Chair in Dental Leadership, and most recently served as dean of the College of Dentistry at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Ariene Leme-Kraus and Eric Teixeira

Iowa Dentistry Faculty Receive Industry Grant for Restorative Dental Materials Research

Thursday, March 31, 2022
A German Pharmaceutical company awarded Ariene Leme-Kraus and Erica Teixeira a $10,000 grant for their project investigating the effectiveness of a newly developed glass-ionomer dental material. In particular, the project will evaluate whether this novel dental material can effectively be used to treat root tooth decay.
NIH

Two Iowa Dental Students Earn NIH Student Research Awards

Thursday, March 24, 2022
Second-year dental students Frank Boksa and Mary Young have been awarded NIH Summer Dental Student Research Awards to conduct research at the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research in Maryland.
Steve Levy

Levy Awarded Grant to Develop and Implement New Specialized Statistical Analyses of Iowa Fluoride Study Data

Thursday, March 24, 2022
Steve Levy and Chandler Pendleton received a new grant to analyze data obtained from the Iowa Fluoride Study using a new statistical analysis tool that can improve understanding and identify relationships between caries and fluorosis.
Three women dental students examining an x-ray

UI Impacting Future of Women in Dentistry Since 1887

Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Written by: Emily Nelson
Starting with our first female graduate, Jessie Ritchey, in 1887 and continuing to this day, Iowa has proven itself a trailblazer for women in dentistry. The Class of 2024 is the first in the University of Iowa College of Dentistry’s history to have more female students than male students—helping move the national dentistry workforce closer to gender parity.
Patient receiving care in the Geriatric and Special Needs clinic

University of Iowa College of Dentistry Receives Prestigious Gies Award for Achievement

Wednesday, March 23, 2022
During the 2022 ADEA Annual Session on March 21, the ADEAGies Foundation presented the University of Iowa with a 2022 William J. Gies Award for Achievement for Academic Dental Institutions. This award recognizes Iowa’s cutting-edge Geriatric and Special Needs Program, led by director Howard Cowen, the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation Professor in Geriatrics and Special Needs.
HomeBrewed Band at Wolfe Memorial Concert

Suicide Prevention Week and the Memorial Fund Benefit Concert for Jenifer Wolfe Fund

Tuesday, March 22, 2022
Suicide Prevention Week 2021 included a Memorial Fund Benefit Concert for the Jenifer Wolfe Fund and several events organized by Cari Anderson, the college's embedding counselor.
Ahmed Mahrous with Junior Educator Award

Ahmed Mahrous: 2021 ACP Junior Educator of the Year

Sunday, March 20, 2022
Iowa’s Ahmed Mahrous (’16 PROSS, ’17 MS) was recognized by the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) as the 2021  recipient of the Junior Educator of the Year Award.