On May 11, 2023, the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine (OPRM) held their annual student award luncheon.This luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate the successes of OPRM students and to recognize their accomplishments.

Several fourth-year dental students received awards for their efforts as dental students. Dean Clark Stanford presented the awards to Abigail Wieland, JoElla Guagliardo, and Emily Starman.

The 2022 Iowa Dental Association's annual meeting (IDEAS) was held at the end of April in Des Moines. The University of Iowa held an alumni reception at the annual meeting, and since it was the first in-person annual meeting since the pandemic began, the event announced and presented numerous award winners, which including many Hawkeyes! 

Sydney Woods (D3) received the University of Iowa’s Office of the Vice President for Research’s “Dare to Discover” Banner Award.

The Center for Inclusive Excellence at the University of Iowa held its annual graduation reception on May 11. At this reception, fourth-year dental student Megha Puranam delivered the keynote address at the graduation reception.

Fourth-year dental students Chichi Adeleke and Megha Puranam both received awards at the Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence Graduation Reception. Adeleke received the Dean's Achievement Award, and Puranam received the Student Leadership Award. Puranam also delivered the keynote address at the reception.

Butali serves as a mentor to numerous other students and researchers, and on May 12, he received a Faculty Award recognizing those efforts. Butali’s students shared their appreciation with the Hawkeye Smile for their mentor.

At its annual Student Awards Ceremony, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology presented awards to two dental students, Colton Curtis and Sydney Woods.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are the second-most common form of musculoskeletal pain, affecting up to one-third of Americans. Iowa dental faculty are on the cutting-edge of TMD care and are leading the way in ensuring that dental students receive adequate and proper education for understanding, preventing, and treating TMD.

The dental equipment and supplies company, Dentsply Sirona, awarded Chris Barwacz a $160,000+ award to evaluate outcomes for a newly designed implant. The study will evaluate outcomes associated with dental implants, and it shows how a mutually beneficial relationship between the college and industry partners improves patient care.