Operative Events

60 Years of Operative Dentistry

Attendees of the Operative Dentistry continuing education course on June 10, 2022.

Fall Picnic 2021

A large group of faculty, residents, staff and their families gathered at a local park for the annual Operative fall picnic.

Fall Picnic 2021

Operative held its annual Fall Picnic in September at a local park.  It was a beautiful afternoon to enjoy the outdoors and cuisine from a delicious food truck.  The children almost outnumber the adults and it was so much fun to watch them play and grow together

Canoe Trip 2021

A group of faculty, residents and staff poses after finishing a canoe trip teambuilding exercise.
A group of three canoes paddles the Maquoketa river.

A group from Operative took the challenge of canoeing the Maquoketa river in August.  Working in pairs to navigate the river,  all 12 canoes made it back safely and only a few got wet.  

Spring Banquet 2021

A large group gathered for an end of school year meal and celebration.
Three graduating students pose with Operative DEO Dr. Erica Teixeira.
Attendees of the banquet sit at round tables and enjoy the program.

The Operative Dentistry Department celebrated another successful academic year during the annual Spring Banquet on June 2nd.  Student awards were presented, faculty and staff years of services were honored and graduating residents were congratulated.

Graduate Picnic 2021

A large group gather for a picnic to celebrate graduating residents.

Operative's graduating residents were celebrated with a picnic on May 22nd at Kent Park.  Delicious BBQ and cuisine from around the world was had by all along with outdoor activities.

Operative News

Cristina Vidal

Vidal appointed head of Operative Dentistry

Thursday, October 23, 2025
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry has appointed Dr. Cris M.P. Vidal, DDS, MS, PhD, as the new Departmental Executive Officer of Operative Dentistry.
Victor Feitosa headshot

Bringing innovation to Iowa classrooms and clinics

Friday, October 3, 2025
A patient expecting to wait weeks for a dental crown is surprised when the procedure is finished in a single afternoon. For Victor Feitosa, moments like this show how digital dentistry is reshaping care—and why he is excited to be teaching at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics.
Ariene Leme-Kraus

Dr. Ariene Leme Kraus Receives NIH Grant to Investigate Causes of a Common Dental Condition

Monday, July 28, 2025
Dr. Ariene Leme Kraus received an NIH grant to investigate how subtle changes in enamel and dentin contribute to the development of noncarious cervical lesions—a common and often painful dental condition. Her work aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of tissue breakdown, laying the groundwork for earlier diagnosis and more effective, personalized treatments to improve long-term outcomes for patients.
The group of Iowa representatives post for a photo with the giant IADR 2025 sign.

UI College of Dentistry stands out at IADR Conference

Wednesday, July 9, 2025
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics made a strong impression at the 2025 International Association for Dental Research (IADR) General Session, held June 25–28 in Barcelona, Spain.
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.
A fall morning at the Dental Science Building

Operative Dentistry holds annual Spring Awards Banquet

Monday, May 20, 2024
The Department of Operative Dentistry held their annual Spring Banquet on Thursday, May 16 at Wilson's Ciderhouse in Iowa City. Nine students were presented awards ranging from excellence in operative dentistry to recognition for research efforts.
Drs. Feitosa, Abuhammoud, Roushdy, Gimer composite

4 faculty members named Teachers of the Year

Monday, May 20, 2024
The UI College of Dentistry honored four faculty members - Drs. Victor Feitosa, Salah Abuhammoud, Sally Roushdy, and David Gimer - as Teachers of the Year at IASDA's annual Talent Show on May 17.
Thaigo Porto

Operative dentistry professor explores how bioactive materials can prevent degradation of bonding interface on adhesive restorations

Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Thiago Soares Porto's research on bioactive glasses with niobum nanoparticles is intended to develop a novel adhesive system capable of enhancing the quality and longevity of dental restorations
Bob Williams receiving his alumni award

Bob Williams ('73 DDS) Receives College’s Highest Alumni Award

Thursday, September 28, 2023
Bob Williams (73 DDS), a longtime supporter and advocate for Iowa Dentistry, was named 2023 Alumnus of the Year, an honor he says he is humbled to receive.
Tooth

Operative Dentistry Spring Banquet

Thursday, June 22, 2023
Operative Dentistry held their annual Spring Banquet on Tuesday, May 16 at Blackstone in Iowa City. The department presented awards to a number of students.