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

University of Iowa Orthodontics Resident Wins Prestigious Harry Sicher Research Award

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Dr. Waheed Awotoye, a second-year orthodontics resident at the University of Iowa, has been honored with the Harry Sicher Research Award for his groundbreaking study on genetic mutations linked to orofacial clefts. His work marks a significant step forward in craniofacial research, with the potential to enhance early diagnosis and treatment. This prestigious recognition celebrates both Dr. Awotoye’s achievement and the University of Iowa’s ongoing commitment to excellence in orthodontic research.
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Leary, Cho of Class of 2025 Complete ADEA Leadership Institute

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
University of Iowa College of Dentistry faculty members Aaron (Seok Hwan) Cho and Kecia Leary completed the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Leadership Institute program as the class of 2025 in Washington DC during the organization's annual meeting March 8-11.
Attendees from the Department of Orthodontics pose for a photo with the giant AADOCR logo in New York City.

Orthodontics participates in 2025 AADOCR Annual Meeting, bringing prestigious awards to Iowa

Monday, March 24, 2025
During the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research in New York March 12-15, the Department of Orthodontics has several presenting students and residents, including two Hatton Award winners.
Emma Square Headshot

University of Iowa Department of Orthodontics Joins the AAOF Legacy Collection Project

Monday, March 24, 2025
The University of Iowa Orthodontics Department, led by Dr. Emma Mueldener, has received a $20,000 grant to digitize the Iowa Growth Study collection for the AAOF Legacy Project. This initiative preserves decades of orthodontic research—including X-rays, dental casts, and measurements—making them globally accessible. The project, set for completion in 2027, will advance education, research, and patient care worldwide.
Jason Schmit Headshot

Adjunct Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jason Schmit

Friday, March 14, 2025
With over 25 years of experience, Schmit brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of orthodontic care.
Noor Asfar, second year Operative resident

Asfar receives Ralph Phillips Student Research Award

Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Dr. Noor Asfar was named recipient of the 2026 Ralph Student Research Award to support her research project.
Julie Reynolds

From the ADA: CMS add new DQA quality measure for oral evaluations during pregnancy

Monday, March 3, 2025
Dr. Julie Reynolds was featured in this story by the American Dental Association announcing the addition of receiving an oral evaluation while pregnant as a new quality measure for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
Faculty and staff pose with Herky before research day beings

2025 AADOCR Research Day Photo Gallery

Monday, February 17, 2025
The College of Dentistry hosted the 72nd Annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Assocation for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research on Tuesday, February 11. The day featured faculty presentations and student oral and poster presentations around the Dental Science Building.
Dr. Jeremy Bobera

Bobera Wins Max Smith Oral Presentation Post-Doctoral Competition

Friday, February 14, 2025
Department of Periodontics
Dr. Bobera presented "Altered Immune-Metabolomic Axis in Overweight and Obesity" at the AADOCR Research Day on Tuesday, February 11th. He was awarded first prize in the Max Smith Oral Presentation Post-Doctoral Competition.
A dental student points out two sections of her poster during a presentation on Feb. 11, 2025.

College of Dentistry highlights, celebrates student researchers during AADOCR Research Day

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Following a day of speakers, posters, and presentations inside the Dental Science Building for the 72nd annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, students were recognized during the awards banquet at the Courtyard Marriott in University Heights.
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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.