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.

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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.

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.
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Together, Hawkeyes educate the next generation.

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.

White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2027 and the Advanced Standing Class of 2025

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.

A Destination Dental School That Makes a Difference for Iowans

Treatment Planning and Documentation Award winner Alanna Bram poses with Dr. Steven Means.

Family Dentistry hosts annual awards presentation

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
The Department of Family Dentistry hosted its 2025 awards banquet on Thursday, May 22. The awards recognize the hard work and dedication of D4 students.
L to R - Cory Borsheim (spouse of the late Dr. Paula Weistroffer), Dr. Georgia Johnson, Dr. Shopping Zhang, Dean Stanford, Keshav Wagle, Sam Alen, Dr. Siva Prakasam, Dr. Carlos Garaicoa, Tony Smothers

Periodontics hosts 2025 Awards Luncheon

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
On Wednesday, May 21, the Department of Periodontics held its annual awards luncheon in W220. Dr. Siva Prakasam, DEO, hosted the event with awards presented to D2 and D4 students.
Students volunteer at His Hands Dental Clinic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

38 students volunteer at His Hands Dental Clinic

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Dental students from all years plus one resident volunteered their time at His Hands Dental Clinic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, providing dental care to over 60 patients in 2024-25.
Carlos Garaicoa headshot

Garaicoa-Pazmiño wins career impact award

Thursday, May 15, 2025
Carlos Garaicoa-Pazmiño, clinical associate professor of periodontics and director of pre-doctoral periodontics, was recognized by campus for going above and beyond to provide students with career resources and guidance.
Iowa orthodontics at the AAO annual meeting in April.

Department of Orthodontics earns second place at AAO Resident Case Competition

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
The Department of Orthodontics achieved second place in the highly competitive American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) Resident Case Competition at the AAO’s annual meeting last month in Philadelphia.
Jeff Banas working with a student researcher

Dr. Jeff Banas Receives Subaward for NIH-Funded Study on Innovative Dental Restoration Materials

Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Dr. Jeff Banas has received an NIH subaward to support research on a novel dental material that resists biofilm buildup and secondary decay. In collaboration with East Carolina University, his lab will test antibacterial properties of new resin composites—advancing efforts to improve restoration longevity and patient oral health outcomes.

University of Iowa Students Excel at 2025 AADOCR Hatton Competition

Monday, May 5, 2025
Two University of Iowa students, Samuel Swearson and Saba Manafi, earned top honors at the 2025 AADOCR Hatton Competition in New York. Their research excellence qualified them to represent the U.S. at the international competition in Barcelona. The College of Dentistry proudly celebrates their achievements and continued tradition of research excellence.

In Memoriam: Dr. Robert N. Staley

Monday, May 5, 2025
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry honors Dr. Robert Newton Staley, a beloved professor, mentor, and researcher who dedicated over 40 years to orthodontic education. Remembered for his compassion, scholarship, and leadership, Dr. Staley’s legacy continues through his students, research contributions, and the Staley Orthodontic Excellence Fund.
2025 Pros Reunion Saturday programming at the College of Dentistry

Prosthodontics hosts 2025 reunion

Thursday, May 1, 2025
The Department of Prosthodontics hosted its 2025 alumni reunion April 25-27 in Iowa City. Alumni from all over the world came back to reminisce and see what has changed in the department.
Rohit Nair posts with Diane Johnson and Ellie Moore from the Community Foundation of Johnson County.

Nair receives grant to support Johnson County seniors

Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Dr. Rohit Nair received a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Johnson County for his initiative, "Smiles for Seniors: Bridging the Dental Care Gap in Johnson County."
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Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

New digital technologies are transforming dental practice at a rapid pace. Whether it’s computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to design and 3D-print customized restorations, dentures, orthodontia, or implants; powerful intraoral digital scanners for fast and accurate digital images of a person’s teeth; or high-resolution 4K monitors for student simulation clinics, Iowa is committed to helping our graduates thrive as they learn to use, evaluate, and apply these transformative clinical technologies.

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.

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.