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

Headshot of Orthodontic Resident, Awotoye Waheed

Awotoye named TORCH recipient

Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Dr. Waheed Awotoye, a second-year resident in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 NDAF-Colgate Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH) Scholars of African Heritage Fellowship.
Student pose for a group photo

Dental students honored at 2025 Student Leadership Awards

Wednesday, April 23, 2025
On April 17, College of Dentistry students came together to celebrate one another during the College of Dentistry 2025 Student Leadership Awards at the Celebration Barn in Iowa City. 15 students and two faculty members were honored during the event for the positive impact they have brought to the college.
A close-up shot of the textbook "Early Orthodontic Treatment: A case-based review"

UI orthodontics textbook celebrated at Book Matters event

Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Drs. Shin and Marshall were invited to the University of Iowa's Book Matters event to celebrate the publishing of their orthodontics textbook, "Practical Early Orthodontic Treatment: A Case-Based Review” on April 15 at the Old Capitol Museum.
Dr. Christopher Kepros headshot

Kepros appointed to ABOMS Examination Committee

Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Kepros joins the highly selective committee tasked with ensuring optimal patient care and safety within the field of OMS.
Iowa faculty and alumni group photo

Iowa Dentistry faculty and students lead at National Oral Health Conference

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics was prominently represented at the National Oral Health Conference, held April 7-9 in Orlando, Florida, with a delegation of fifteen faculty members, residents, and students attending.
Marchini speaking during PCD CE Day 2025

Inaugural Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry CE Day a great success

Tuesday, April 15, 2025
The Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry hosted its inaugural PCD CE Day at they Stanley Museum of Art on April 11. The continuing education program integrated art and dentistry into a one-of-a-kind experience.
Brian Mykleby headshot

Mykleby awarded Calvin D. Torneck award

Thursday, April 10, 2025
Dr. Brian Mykleby (’81 DDS, ’85 ENDO, ’85 MS) was honored with the prestigious Calvin D. Torneck Part-Time Educator Award by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) during the Edgar D. Coolidge Brunch at AAE25 in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 5, 2025.
Dr. Alex Rubinov headshot

Dr. Rubinov's ePoster wins 1st place at AO Meeting

Monday, March 31, 2025
Dr. Alex Rubinov, a third-year resident in the Department of Periodontics, was named the winner of ePoster competition at the Academy of Osseointegration's annual meeting on March 29 in Seattle, Washington.
clark stanford headshot

Dean Stanford Transitions to Immediate Past President of Prestigious Dental Honor Society

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Dean Clark Stanford of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry moves into the role of Immediate Past President of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, reflecting his continued leadership and dedication to excellence in dental education and professional service.

Honoring the Legacy of Dr. William H. DeKock: A Lasting Impact on Orthodontics

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Dr. William H. DeKock, a cherished leader in orthodontics and longtime professor at the University of Iowa, is remembered for his decades of impactful service and mentorship in the field. In honor of his legacy, his family has established the Dr. William H. and Margaret Ladd DeKock Orthodontics Fund with a $200,000 gift to support ongoing research in the Department of Orthodontics. This generous endowment ensures that Dr. DeKock’s passion for education, innovation, and patient care will continue to inspire future generations.
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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.