The University of Iowa College of Dentistry has received a competitive renewal of a grant from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health to expand its Patient-Centered Dental Home (PCDH) project. Led by Dr. Julie Reynolds and Dr. Pete Damiano, the project will pilot new adult-focused quality measures, test care delivery standards, and explore patient-reported outcomes to improve dental care quality and integration with broader health systems.

Dr. Huojun Cao (Endodontics) and Dr. Eric Van Otterloo (Periodontics) have been awarded a $3 million NIH R01 grant to investigate how genetic programs guide the development of oral, dental, and skin tissues in the lower jaw.

Professor Emeritus Bruce Justman joined an international volunteer team providing free dental care to more than 600 patients across St. Lucia, West Indies.

Dr. Jeff Banas was appointed the UI College of Dentistry's next Associate Dean for Research.

Dr. Franciele Floriani, clinical assistant professor in the department of prosthodontics, has published a new book designed to help educators, and professionals bring their research ideas to life.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is proud to highlight Dr. Maura Vroman, whose journey in orthodontics has had a profoundly positive impact on both her patients and her students in the classroom. With a career dedicated to continuous learning and putting the patient first, Dr. Vroman has become a valuable resource within our adjunct faculty.

A recent graduate from the Department of Periodontics, Dr. Jeremy Bobera, has been named one of eight finalists in the prestigious Balint Orban Memorial Competition.

Dr. John J. Warren has received a five-year, $1.86 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to enhance the University of Iowa’s Dental Public Health program. The funding will support tuition, travel, and stipends for trainees, while expanding hands-on training in Iowa’s public health clinics. The initiative aims to better prepare dental professionals to serve underserved communities across the state.

Dr. Ariene Leme Kraus received an NIH grant to investigate how subtle changes in enamel and dentin contribute to the development of noncarious cervical lesions—a common and often painful dental condition. Her work aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of tissue breakdown, laying the groundwork for earlier diagnosis and more effective, personalized treatments to improve long-term outcomes for patients.

Hanny arrived at His Hands Dental Clinic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with many teeth that were unrestorable or infected. Dr. Jeffrey Akey ('87 DDS) and six volunteer UI dental students came together to give Hanny her smile back.