The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics and the Dental Alumni Association recognized three alumni for their contributions to dental education, patient care, leadership, and service during the 2026 Alumni Reunion on Sept. 11.

A new industry-sponsored research award from Ivoclar Vivadent will support work led by Anvita Maharishi to better understand how next-generation multilayered graded zirconia materials behave during manufacturing and how those behaviors may ultimately affect patient care.

Kendrick and Munjal were recognized among outpatient providers whose patient experience scores ranked in the top 10% nationally.

The Orthodontics department’s very own Dr. Aline Petrin has been awarded a grant from the National Institute of Health where she competed against multiple other scientists.

Dr. Joyce Li joined the College of Dentistry August 26 following postgraduate training at UCLA.

With a new National Institutes of Health R01 award, Hongli Sun is leading research to develop a new strategy for repairing jawbone damaged by periodontal disease. The project seeks to help the body not only stop disease progression but also regenerate the tissues that have been lost.

Smiles for Seniors brings University of Iowa dental students, faculty, and community partners together to provide free dental care for older adults while giving students meaningful hands-on experience.

Dr. Hebl turned a dental service trip into The Guatemala Project. It has built nearly 300 homes in Guatemala.

With support from the Gerber Foundation, Jeff Banas and Mike Kanellis are leading a study to evaluate a simple, home-based approach that could help prevent tooth decay among children at highest risk for disease.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has named Dr. Ahmad Alkhaza'leh graduate program director for the Advanced Education Program in Operative Dentistry, effective Aug. 3, 2026.