Members of the College of Dentistry took part in the Halloween festivities last Friday, dressing up as fun characters and more!

Dr. Sukirth Ganesan, Associate Professor and Director of the Advanced Education Program in Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, has been appointed as a Commissioner for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), representing the American Academy of Periodontology.

Dr. David Drake is retiring after more than 30 years at Iowa. A pioneering researcher, dedicated mentor, and beloved Santa Claus, Drake leaves a legacy of scientific excellence, national leadership, and personal warmth that has shaped the College of Dentistry and the oral health research profession.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry has appointed Dr. Cris M.P. Vidal, DDS, MS, PhD, as the new Departmental Executive Officer of Operative Dentistry.

Dr. Jeremy Bobera (’22 DDS, ’25 MS) has been named a recipient of the 2025 Balint Orban Award at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Periodontology, held this year in Toronto.

In one of the largest gifts in the history of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Catherine Miller-Geroy and Gary Geroy have made a commitment to endow a chair in the Department of Prosthodontics in honor of Miller-Geroy’s father, Dr. Thaxter “Thax” Miller (’54 MS, ’54 PROS).

Robert Bowers and Anvita Maharishi, assistant professors in the Department of Family Dentistry, received a CRISP grant to study national trends in materials used for full coverage dental restorations. Their research will analyze data from 18 dental schools to assess the shift toward all-ceramic materials and inform updates to dental education and licensure standards.

A patient expecting to wait weeks for a dental crown is surprised when the procedure is finished in a single afternoon. For Victor Feitosa, moments like this show how digital dentistry is reshaping care—and why he is excited to be teaching at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics.

Aline Petrin, assistant professor of orthodontics, received a CRISP grant to complete genetic screening of patients with Van der Woude syndrome. Her study will help clarify how genetic mutations influence disease severity and support future research into epigenetic factors that shape cleft phenotypes and guide individualized treatment strategies.

Olujitan receives Fellowship to support final stages of her dissertation by providing protected time for research and writing.