The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jeffrey Banas as its new Associate Dean for Research. Banas is a nationally recognized leader in oral microbiology and biofilm biology and is a model of research excellence, academic leadership, and service.
Since joining the college in 2006, Banas has served as a professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry and as director of the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research. Most recently, he held the position of Interim Associate Dean for Research. In each of these roles, his steady hand has been vital for fulfilling and expanding the college’s research mission.
A Proven Leader in Oral Health Research
Banas’s academic journey began with a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Michigan, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Over the course of his career, he has developed a robust and nationally recognized research program centered on oral microbiology and biofilm biology. His investigations have been consistently supported by NIH funding and have contributed to a deeper understanding of microbial processes relevant to oral health. In addition to his research publications in top-tier scientific journals, Banas has actively shaped the field through service on editorial boards and grant review panels for both national and international agencies.
A Vision for Innovation and Collaboration
As Associate Dean for Research, Banas aims to foster a collaborative and innovative research environment that supports faculty, students, and staff in achieving excellence.
“I am honored to take on this role and excited to continue working with our talented community to advance oral health research,” says Banas. “Together, we will build on our strengths and pursue new opportunities that improve health outcomes and expand our impact.”
Whether he is mentoring junior faculty contributing to their research projects, working both within the college and across other colleges at the university to improve dental education at Iowa, or using his expertise in microbiology to benefit projects at other institutions, Banas has a proven track record of collaboration.
A Respected Leader and Advocate for Research
“Dr. Banas has consistently shown a deep commitment to research excellence and collaboration,” says UI College of Dentistry Dean Clark Stanford, “His leadership has helped shape our research infrastructure and graduate programs, and I am confident he will continue to elevate our research enterprise in this new role.”
In addition to his research accomplishments, Banas has mentored dozens of students, residents, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty while also shaping the college’s graduate programs. His leadership on key committees, including the Executive Committee, Research Proposal Advisory Panel, the Dental Student Research Group, and Oral Science Graduate Program Committee, shows his commitment to the research and discovery mission of the college.
Looking Ahead
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is confident that under Banas’s leadership, its research enterprise will continue to thrive, driving innovation and improving oral health outcomes for communities in Iowa and beyond.
For more information about the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and its research initiatives, visit https://dentistry.uiowa.edu.
About the University of Iowa College of Dentistry
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a global leader in dental education, research, and patient care. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, the College prepares future dental professionals, advances scientific discovery, and provides high-quality care to patients across the state and beyond.