As of June 2023, The University of Iowa is excited to welcome Emma Mueldener as an official Orthodontics Faculty member, serving as a clinical assistant professor. Dr. Mueldener was a full-time Orthodontic resident here at the University of Iowa and completed her Master of Science degree this recent semester. Prior to Emma’s Orthodontic education, Emma attended the University of Iowa to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. In 2020, Dr. Mueldener graduated with her Doctoral of Dental Surgery Degree and was the valedictorian for her class. She also completed her General Practice Residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Hospital Dentistry Institute in 2021.  

Emma continued her education at Iowa and began her Orthodontics Residency in July 2021. Throughout the program, Emma demonstrated outstanding performance in her clinical research and overall Orthodontic practices. She completed her Master's Thesis in February 2023 which involved detection of bi-cortical bony engagement of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD) and TAD torque magnitudes during mono-cortical and bi-cortical insertions. Emma is hoping to continue her research as a Clinical Assistant Professor and guide future Orthodontic residents in research-related topics. In addition to continuing her research, she is currently in the process of completing her American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification as well as co-authoring a textbook chapter in Mosby’s Orthodontic Review.   

Throughout Emma’s overall experience at Iowa, she discovered her strong passion for teaching and being a leader to others. Emma was a tutor in dental school and assisted in clinical instruction for introductory courses as an Orthodontic resident. Throughout her teaching practices and instruction, Emma knew that she had a strong desire to help others grow their expertise in Dentistry and Orthodontics. With Emma’s contribution and wealth of experience within the College of Dentistry, she shares a deep passion to provide unsurpassed care to patients and understands the importance of fulfilling the needs within the Orthodontics Department and the College of Dentistry. We are so excited to welcome Emma as an official member of our faculty!