On Wednesday, May 21, the Department of Periodontics held its annual awards luncheon in W220. Dr. Siva Prakasam, DEO, hosted the event with awards presented to D2 and D4 students.

Dental students from all years plus one resident volunteered their time at His Hands Dental Clinic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, providing dental care to over 60 patients in 2024-25.

Carlos Garaicoa-Pazmiño, clinical associate professor of periodontics and director of pre-doctoral periodontics, was recognized by campus for going above and beyond to provide students with career resources and guidance.

The Department of Orthodontics achieved second place in the highly competitive American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) Resident Case Competition at the AAO’s annual meeting last month in Philadelphia.

Dr. Jeff Banas has received an NIH subaward to support research on a novel dental material that resists biofilm buildup and secondary decay. In collaboration with East Carolina University, his lab will test antibacterial properties of new resin composites—advancing efforts to improve restoration longevity and patient oral health outcomes.

Two University of Iowa students, Samuel Swearson and Saba Manafi, earned top honors at the 2025 AADOCR Hatton Competition in New York. Their research excellence qualified them to represent the U.S. at the international competition in Barcelona. The College of Dentistry proudly celebrates their achievements and continued tradition of research excellence.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry honors Dr. Robert Newton Staley, a beloved professor, mentor, and researcher who dedicated over 40 years to orthodontic education. Remembered for his compassion, scholarship, and leadership, Dr. Staley’s legacy continues through his students, research contributions, and the Staley Orthodontic Excellence Fund.

The Department of Prosthodontics hosted its 2025 alumni reunion April 25-27 in Iowa City. Alumni from all over the world came back to reminisce and see what has changed in the department.

Dr. Rohit Nair received a $5,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Johnson County for his initiative, "Smiles for Seniors: Bridging the Dental Care Gap in Johnson County."

Dr. Waheed Awotoye, a second-year resident in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 NDAF-Colgate Trailblazers in Oral Health Research (TORCH) Scholars of African Heritage Fellowship.