Prosthodontics Staff
Our staff team at the University of Iowa Prosthodontics Department contributes greatly to the education and clinical service mission of the department. Staff members support all areas including assisting with patient care along with faculty and residents, attending to the prosthodontics business office, coordinating appointment schedules at the front desk and fabricating prosthodontic appliances in our laboratory.
Office Staff
Allison Bierman
Administrative Services Specialist
“I am an alum of the UI School of Music, having graduated with a BA in Music (Vocal Performance) and a Certificate of Entrepreneurial Management in 2015. Over the past 12 years I have worked at the University of Iowa in ITS, Athletics, and the CLAS Dean’s Office and School of Music. I made the move to this side of the river in Dentistry in 2024. When I’m not at work, I like to travel with my husband and our dogs, visit as many indie bookstores as possible, cheer on the KC Chiefs, Caitlin Clark in the WNBA, Ferarri & Haas in Formula 1, watch every livestream of the Eras Tour, and sing with the Chamber Singers of Iowa City.”
Kelly Ashmore
“I grew up in Iowa, from Bettendorf to Bloomfield. I moved to Iowa City in 2011. I’ve been with the Pros department since 2023. I have two chaotic cats (Malik and Sera) who I adore. In my free time, I play board games and I love to backpack! I enjoy renovation projects that involve painting and carpentry.”
Dental Assistants
Lydia Howard
Celly Scroggins
Nancy Welsh
William (Bill) Rindy
“Hello! From my childhood roots in a small dairy farming community in Southern Wisconsin to residing in Solon, IA with my wife of many years, it has been a fantastic journey. Dentistry in general appealed to me well into my adult life after experiencing need for care in the Periodontics department at the College of Dentistry. Upon retirement in 2018, I enrolled in the Dental Assisting/AAS program at Kirkwood Community College. After several clinical learning experiences in General Dentistry, Periodontics, and Oral Surgery, I have found my home in Dentistry to be in Prosthodontics. Working with incredibly skilled clinicians and the development of relationships with patients is humbling and rewarding. Delivery day is the best! Many thank you's, hugs, and tears mark the culmination of a sometimes difficult process. Bringing new smiles and changing lives is something I will carry with me. Go Hawks!”
Front Desk Staff
Amy Carmichael
“I grew up in Washington, IA and started at the University of IA in 1990 before joining the Prosthodontics clinic at the College of Dentistry in 1997. I like to cook and work on home improvement projects with my family. I’m always ready to check out a new coffee shop with my kids and love to watch my oldest son play with his band, BYOBrass.”
Sarah Hebl
“I have been a part of the Prosthodontic department since 2023. The best part about my job is seeing the patients new smile when they leave and coming to work with some of the best coworkers! My husband and I have 2 kids and 3 German shepherds. In the summer, I love to be in my garden. When I’m not in my garden I’m busy planning my garden for the next year.”
Lab Staff
Scott Hendricks
"I’ve lived in Hiawatha my entire life, just north of Cedar Rapids. The historic Flood of 2008 changed everything for me, it totaled my business and forced me to look for something else. That eventually brought me to dentistry. Graduating from Kirkwood in 2012 with a AAS in Dental Technology and being certified in full dentures, I enjoy the work I do and take great pride in it. My wife and I have the world's two cutest dogs, Alabama and Daisy. In my off time I make vintage glass and gold signs."
Tommy Zhu, CDT/TE
“With a lifelong passion for helping others, I have built a distinguished career that blends public service and dental excellence. As a former sworn NYPD officer, I participated in the World Trade Center rescue operations in 2001, earning a commendable performance award, upholding the highest tradition of police service. Transitioning to dentistry, I earned a degree in Restorative Dentistry in 2003 and became a Board-Certified Dental Ceramist by 2007. Recognized as one of the best young dental professionals by LMT Dental Magazine in 2012, I also won a dental photo contest in 2017, featured in the Journal of Dental Technology. I have written articles for IDT Dental Magazine and received the Fulcrum Grant Scholarship to pursue a Master of Dental Technology at NYU. Specializing in full mouth reconstruction, implant, and cosmetic dental cases. Currently, I teach dental residents in technique courses enjoying the process of helping them become better prosthodontists.”
Student Technician
Raania Ahmad
"I grew up in Quad Cities, Iowa and graduated from Pleasant Valley High School in 2023. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Iowa majoring in Biomedical Engineering. My brother is a 2nd year Resident in Pediatric Dentistry at Iowa so I live with his family in Iowa City. My nephew is my mini-me and I always spend my free time with him. When he is asleep and I don't have too much homework, I enjoy spending my time working out or playing basketball."