Waheed Awotoye joined the faculty of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics Department of Orthodontics as an Assistant Professor in 2026.

Awotoye returns to Iowa following fellowship training in Craniofacial and Special needs Orthodontics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He earned a PhD in Craniofacial genetics and a master’s degree and certificate in Orthodontics from the University of Iowa, as well as a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

His clinical interests include management of malocclusion – problems with teeth and jaw alignment and harmony, and the care of patients with craniofacial differences and special healthcare needs. His research explores how genes and other biological factors influence the development of the face and jaws and contribute to diseases and birth conditions affecting these structures. Through this work, he aims to improve understanding of these conditions and help advance personalized approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Awotoye has received several honors recognizing his research and professional achievements, including the 2026 American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Craniofacial Anomalies and Special Care Training Award, the 2025 AAO Harry Sicher Research Award, and the 2025–2026 Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH) Fellowship Award from the National Dental Association Foundation and Colgate-Palmolive Company. In 2021, he placed second in both the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) and International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Hatton Competition Senior Category. He has presented his research at national and international scientific meetings, including conferences focused on dental, oral, craniofacial, and human genetics research.

Awotoye will provide comprehensive orthodontic care, including care for patients with craniofacial anomalies. He will teach predoctoral students and residents, continue developing research, and collaborate with colleagues across departments within the College of Dentistry and outside the University of Iowa.