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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

With over 25 years of experience, Schmit brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of orthodontic care.