Dr. Michael Chavez, first-year resident in the Department of Orthodontics, has received a 2026 American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Foundation Research Award.

Colonel (Dr.) Paul M. Colthirst, a graduate of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics’ Dental Public Health residency program, has been appointed the 30th Chief of the U.S. Army Dental Corps.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics Student Research Group has been named the recipient of the AADOCR National Student Research Group (NSRG) contest for having the most student abstracts accepted for presentation at the 2026 IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session & Exhibition in San Diego.

The Department of Operative Dentistry had a strong presence at the 54th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Operative Dentistry, held in Chicago from Feb. 18–20, 2026. Faculty, residents, students, alumni, and collaborators represented the University of Iowa through leadership roles, research presentations, and professional engagement.

Dr. Ankita Samal, a third-year resident in the Periodontics Program at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, earned second place in the Clinical Case Competition at the Midwest Society of Periodontology Annual Meeting held in Chicago.

The College of Dentistry’s research enterprise is strengthened by four dedicated professionals whose work supports faculty, students, and trainees. Sheila Britton, Sara Miller, Abby Thomas, and Michael Tilley each play vital roles that ensure Iowa Dentistry’s research remains collaborative, organized, well communicated, and poised for continued excellence.

Shareef Dabdoub is advancing understanding of the oral virome through an NIH R03 grant. His research uses advanced sequencing and computational tools to explore how viruses shape oral health. This work lays the foundation for future precision approaches that may more effectively support healthy microbial communities.

The College of Dentistry hosted the 73rd Annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Assocation for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research on Tuesday, February 10. The day featured faculty presentations and student oral and poster presentations around the Dental Science Building, followed by a reception for the awards ceremony later that evening.

Jeremiah Poppen, a dental student in the Student Research Program mentored by Kecia Leary, analyzed patient safety incident reports before and after a new reporting system at the College of Dentistry. His findings highlight changing patterns in safety events and support a stronger culture of prevention, documentation, and improved care for patients and providers.

The College of Dentistry hosted the 73rd Annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Assocation for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research on Tuesday, February 10. The day featured faculty presentations and student oral and poster presentations around the Dental Science Building.