The University of Iowa Orthodontics Department is delighted to welcome Grace Thompson, our new dental assistant, to the team! Since early 2022, Grace has been dedicated to honing her skills in dental care, a career path she embraced after a serendipitous job offer. Dentistry wasn’t initially on Grace’s radar, but from the moment she stepped into the role, it became clear she had found her calling.

Reflecting on her journey into the field, Grace shared, “Dentistry wasn’t something I had given much thought to before being offered the position, but after accepting the position, I quickly loved the profession.” With a particular passion for orthodontics, Grace finds fulfillment in the hands-on nature of the work and its transformative impact on patients. “Ortho is fascinating because assistants get to do more, and it’s an incredible experience to be part of someone’s transformation,” she said.

For Grace, the highlights of her time at the University so far have been building connections with her coworkers and expanding her knowledge base. “Getting to know my coworkers and learning so many new things has been incredibly rewarding,” she noted.

Outside of work, Grace has a wide range of hobbies that showcase her creative and intellectual interests. She enjoys watching classic movies from the 80s and 90s, playing guitar, drawing, and reading. Among her favorite films are timeless hits like When Harry Met Sally, Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park.

In addition to her professional role, Grace is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Nutrition at Purdue Global. This academic endeavor reflects her commitment to health and well-being, both personally and professionally.

When asked what drew her to the University of Iowa, Grace expressed admiration for its stellar reputation and the supportive environment it provides for employees. “I was inspired to work for the University because I know it has a good reputation, and I know the University takes good care of its employees,” she shared.

We’re excited to have Grace as part of our team and look forward to seeing her contributions to The University of Iowa Orthodontics Clinic. 

Welcome aboard, Grace!