Drs. Robert Bowers, assistant professor in the Department of Family Dentistry, Teresa Marshall, professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, and Jeff Banas, professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and director of the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, were recognized by the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology (OTLT) with the Innovations in Teaching with Technology Award (ITTA) for their project aimed at creating an artificial mouth simulator.

The project is designed to mimic the progression of dental cavities in a controlled laboratory environment. The simulator bridges the gap between the complex didactic teachings of cariology and its clinical applications, providing a more comprehensive and practical learning experience for students. 

This new, hands-on learning experience is a collaborative effort with senior biomedical engineering students and not only benefits dental students but also provides practice experience for engineering students. The simulator engages students in active learning exercises, fosters critical thinking, and enhances their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. It will offer in-depth exploration and experimentation, allowing student to conduct research and further their understanding of cariology.

The OTLT provides funding for innovative, results-oriented instructional technology projects that raise the level of teaching and learning at Iowa.