The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is home to a distinctive pharmacy model that strengthens patient care, enriches dental education, and supports collaboration across disciplines. Here are nine facts about this valuable resource.
1. A rare resource for the dental school community
The Dental Pharmacy is the only full-fledged pharmacy - staffed by clinical compounding pharmacists - within a college of dentistry across the entire United States.
2. Dental students don’t just learn about medications, they learn with pharmacists
From day one through residency, students collaborate with pharmacists on prescribing, interactions, and patient counseling.
3. Interprofessional care isn’t a buzzword here—it’s routine
Students graduate already fluent in team-based care, having practiced real collaboration long before their first job.
4. Prescriptions can be filled before patients even leave the chair
Medications are often ready the same day, with pharmacist counseling completed before patients exit the building.
5. Pharmacists help personalize dental care through unique ability to compound medications you cannot find at commercial pharmacies
Through custom compounding, medications can be adjusted for comfort, taste, or tolerance—small changes that make a big difference for patients.
6. Problems get solved fast
Because pharmacists can see both dental and pharmacy records, prescription questions and insurance issues are addressed immediately, not days later.
7. This model has been working for decades
The embedded pharmacy has supported Iowa Dentistry for more than 50 years, including one pharmacist whose career there spanned 45 years.
8. The community doesn’t end at graduation
Alumni regularly reach out to embedded pharmacists with drug-related questions—proof that the College’s support system extends well beyond Commencement.
9. Care continues between visits
With mail service and follow-up support, patients stay on track even if they live far from Iowa City.