Hawkeyes Make a Difference
Since 1882, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has focused on meeting the needs of our patients. Clinical care frames and undergirds our approach to dental education and our commitment to translating oral science research and discovery into reality for our patients.
As the only dental school in the State of Iowa and a nationally leading program in terms of clinical experience, the college plays a vital role in meeting the oral health needs of Iowans.
160,000
The number of patients visits each year.
98 of 99
Iowa dental graduates currently practice in 98 of 99 Iowa counties.
14.2
The State of Iowa has the highest rate of oral cancer in the country at 14.2 per 100,000 people.
Excellence in patient care makes a difference for each patient seen.
Excellence in health care education makes a difference in each patient seen by future dentists and specialists.
Excellence in research and discovery revolutionizes and transforms oral health care for millions.
Together, Hawkeyes advance research and discovery
Iowa Dentistry continues to rapidly expand its research and discovery, exceling in regenerative biomedicine, genetic research, and biomaterials, alongside an innovative oral cancer program. This expansive research and discovery mission is establishing Iowa as a global leader in oral science research, which benefits everyday Iowans.
2nd
Iowa is 2nd in the Big 10 in research dollars received from The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) at $5.4 million in 2022. These funds account for about half of Iowa Dentistry's external research support.
$9,471,347
Since 2020, Iowa Dentistry's seed grants supporting early career researchers have resulted in almost $10 million in external research funding. These funds are also excellent tools to recruit and retain excellent early career faculty.
A Global Leader
Spearheading an International Network of Cleft Lip and Palate Research for African Populations
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Azeez Butali is a global leader in cleft lip and palate research and the world’s foremost expert in the genetics of these conditions in African populations. As part of his research mission, he has also spearheaded the formation of a diverse, international network of researchers in Africa and the US to develop, refine, and apply their findings for the benefit of African populations and their genetic descendants.
Making a Difference in Iowa
Preventive Oral Health Care for Toddlers and Infants
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Karin Weber-Gasparoni is passionate about supporting new caregivers and improving oral health for underserved populations. Her collaborative clinical research initiatives are transforming oral health care for toddlers and infants in Iowa, and are laying the foundation for changing how oral health care is provided for the youngest of us.
Together, Hawkeyes educate the next generation
As a national leader in the amount and quality of student clinical experiences, our students receive an unparalleled dental education over the course of their four years. These patient experiences and our comprehensive educational programs ensure that Iowa’s dental workforce meets the current and future needs of the state.
1,135
The number of students who applied for Iowa's DDS program for 2023-2024. This record-breaking number shows that Iowa remains a destination DDS program for students from all over the country.
10 of 12
With advanced training programs in 10 of 12 American Dental Association-recognized specialties, and two other innovative programs, our dental students and residents receive the highest quality dental education in the world.
A Destination Dental School
Adjunct Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jason Schmit
Friday, March 14, 2025
With over 25 years of experience, Schmit brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of orthodontic care.
Asfar receives Ralph Phillips Student Research Award
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Dr. Noor Asfar was named recipient of the 2026 Ralph Student Research Award to support her research project.
From the ADA: CMS add new DQA quality measure for oral evaluations during pregnancy
Monday, March 3, 2025
Dr. Julie Reynolds was featured in this story by the American Dental Association announcing the addition of receiving an oral evaluation while pregnant as a new quality measure for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
2025 AADOCR Research Day Photo Gallery
Monday, February 17, 2025
The College of Dentistry hosted the 72nd Annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Assocation for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research on Tuesday, February 11. The day featured faculty presentations and student oral and poster presentations around the Dental Science Building.
Bobera Wins Max Smith Oral Presentation Post-Doctoral Competition
Friday, February 14, 2025
Dr. Bobera presented "Altered Immune-Metabolomic Axis in Overweight and Obesity" at the AADOCR Research Day on Tuesday, February 11th. He was awarded first prize in the Max Smith Oral Presentation Post-Doctoral Competition.
College of Dentistry highlights, celebrates student researchers during AADOCR Research Day
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Following a day of speakers, posters, and presentations inside the Dental Science Building for the 72nd annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, students were recognized during the awards banquet at the Courtyard Marriott in University Heights.
College of Dentistry receives 2 national student research awards
Monday, February 10, 2025
The UI College of Dentistry was named the winner of two significant awards from the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) National Student Research Group (NSRG). The honors highlight the college's commitment to student research and discovery.
How Worms Provide Insight into Immune Responses of Immunocompromised Patients
Friday, February 7, 2025
Dr. Ransome van der Hoeven is working to improve options for immunocompromised patients. In his research, he has made advances in our understanding of innate immune responses by studying the worm, C. elegans.
Fluoride Skepticism in Focus: Alex Harper’s Research on Attitudes about Fluoride Use
Friday, February 7, 2025
As debates surrounding fluoride gain attention across the U.S., a dental student from the University of Iowa is tackling the issue head-on. Alex Harper, a fourth-year dental student, is investigating attitudes about fluoride and tap water. As misinformation erodes trust in science, Harper’s research provides timely insights into public perceptions and oral health behaviors.
Optimizing Your Research: Collaborating with the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology
Friday, February 7, 2025
The Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a valuable resource for researchers seeking to enhance the quality and efficiency of their studies so that they are well-designed, data-driven, and powerful.
That Makes a Difference for Iowans
Adjunct Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jason Schmit
Friday, March 14, 2025
With over 25 years of experience, Schmit brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of orthodontic care.
Asfar receives Ralph Phillips Student Research Award
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Dr. Noor Asfar was named recipient of the 2026 Ralph Student Research Award to support her research project.
From the ADA: CMS add new DQA quality measure for oral evaluations during pregnancy
Monday, March 3, 2025
Dr. Julie Reynolds was featured in this story by the American Dental Association announcing the addition of receiving an oral evaluation while pregnant as a new quality measure for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
2025 AADOCR Research Day Photo Gallery
Monday, February 17, 2025
The College of Dentistry hosted the 72nd Annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Assocation for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research on Tuesday, February 11. The day featured faculty presentations and student oral and poster presentations around the Dental Science Building.
Bobera Wins Max Smith Oral Presentation Post-Doctoral Competition
Friday, February 14, 2025
Dr. Bobera presented "Altered Immune-Metabolomic Axis in Overweight and Obesity" at the AADOCR Research Day on Tuesday, February 11th. He was awarded first prize in the Max Smith Oral Presentation Post-Doctoral Competition.
College of Dentistry highlights, celebrates student researchers during AADOCR Research Day
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Following a day of speakers, posters, and presentations inside the Dental Science Building for the 72nd annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, students were recognized during the awards banquet at the Courtyard Marriott in University Heights.
College of Dentistry receives 2 national student research awards
Monday, February 10, 2025
The UI College of Dentistry was named the winner of two significant awards from the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) National Student Research Group (NSRG). The honors highlight the college's commitment to student research and discovery.
How Worms Provide Insight into Immune Responses of Immunocompromised Patients
Friday, February 7, 2025
Dr. Ransome van der Hoeven is working to improve options for immunocompromised patients. In his research, he has made advances in our understanding of innate immune responses by studying the worm, C. elegans.
Fluoride Skepticism in Focus: Alex Harper’s Research on Attitudes about Fluoride Use
Friday, February 7, 2025
As debates surrounding fluoride gain attention across the U.S., a dental student from the University of Iowa is tackling the issue head-on. Alex Harper, a fourth-year dental student, is investigating attitudes about fluoride and tap water. As misinformation erodes trust in science, Harper’s research provides timely insights into public perceptions and oral health behaviors.
Optimizing Your Research: Collaborating with the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology
Friday, February 7, 2025
The Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a valuable resource for researchers seeking to enhance the quality and efficiency of their studies so that they are well-designed, data-driven, and powerful.
Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology
New digital technologies are transforming dental practice at a rapid pace. Whether it’s computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to design and 3D-print customized restorations, dentures, orthodontia, or implants; powerful intraoral digital scanners for fast and accurate digital images of a person’s teeth; or high-resolution 4K monitors for student simulation clinics, Iowa is committed to helping our graduates thrive as they learn to use, evaluate, and apply these transformative clinical technologies.
80
The Sim Clinic, Iowa Dentistry's hands-on skills clinic, has 80 operatories that are intended to help first- and second-year dental students make a smooth transition from preclinical to clinical care and to help third- and fourth-year students practice in a realistic, simulated environment.
8
Iowa Dentistry has 8 in-house 3D printers that have enabled the college to fabricate a wide variety of dental materials, ranging from dentures to invisible aligners. Dental students and residents are taught to incorporate these technologies in treatment planning and design.
Revolutionizing Clinical Care
Adjunct Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jason Schmit
Friday, March 14, 2025
With over 25 years of experience, Schmit brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of orthodontic care.
Asfar receives Ralph Phillips Student Research Award
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Dr. Noor Asfar was named recipient of the 2026 Ralph Student Research Award to support her research project.
From the ADA: CMS add new DQA quality measure for oral evaluations during pregnancy
Monday, March 3, 2025
Dr. Julie Reynolds was featured in this story by the American Dental Association announcing the addition of receiving an oral evaluation while pregnant as a new quality measure for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
2025 AADOCR Research Day Photo Gallery
Monday, February 17, 2025
The College of Dentistry hosted the 72nd Annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Assocation for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research on Tuesday, February 11. The day featured faculty presentations and student oral and poster presentations around the Dental Science Building.
Bobera Wins Max Smith Oral Presentation Post-Doctoral Competition
Friday, February 14, 2025
Dr. Bobera presented "Altered Immune-Metabolomic Axis in Overweight and Obesity" at the AADOCR Research Day on Tuesday, February 11th. He was awarded first prize in the Max Smith Oral Presentation Post-Doctoral Competition.
College of Dentistry highlights, celebrates student researchers during AADOCR Research Day
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Following a day of speakers, posters, and presentations inside the Dental Science Building for the 72nd annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, students were recognized during the awards banquet at the Courtyard Marriott in University Heights.
College of Dentistry receives 2 national student research awards
Monday, February 10, 2025
The UI College of Dentistry was named the winner of two significant awards from the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) National Student Research Group (NSRG). The honors highlight the college's commitment to student research and discovery.
How Worms Provide Insight into Immune Responses of Immunocompromised Patients
Friday, February 7, 2025
Dr. Ransome van der Hoeven is working to improve options for immunocompromised patients. In his research, he has made advances in our understanding of innate immune responses by studying the worm, C. elegans.
Fluoride Skepticism in Focus: Alex Harper’s Research on Attitudes about Fluoride Use
Friday, February 7, 2025
As debates surrounding fluoride gain attention across the U.S., a dental student from the University of Iowa is tackling the issue head-on. Alex Harper, a fourth-year dental student, is investigating attitudes about fluoride and tap water. As misinformation erodes trust in science, Harper’s research provides timely insights into public perceptions and oral health behaviors.
Optimizing Your Research: Collaborating with the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology
Friday, February 7, 2025
The Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a valuable resource for researchers seeking to enhance the quality and efficiency of their studies so that they are well-designed, data-driven, and powerful.
And Dental Education
Adjunct Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jason Schmit
Friday, March 14, 2025
With over 25 years of experience, Schmit brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of orthodontic care.
Asfar receives Ralph Phillips Student Research Award
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Dr. Noor Asfar was named recipient of the 2026 Ralph Student Research Award to support her research project.
From the ADA: CMS add new DQA quality measure for oral evaluations during pregnancy
Monday, March 3, 2025
Dr. Julie Reynolds was featured in this story by the American Dental Association announcing the addition of receiving an oral evaluation while pregnant as a new quality measure for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
2025 AADOCR Research Day Photo Gallery
Monday, February 17, 2025
The College of Dentistry hosted the 72nd Annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Assocation for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research on Tuesday, February 11. The day featured faculty presentations and student oral and poster presentations around the Dental Science Building.
Bobera Wins Max Smith Oral Presentation Post-Doctoral Competition
Friday, February 14, 2025
Dr. Bobera presented "Altered Immune-Metabolomic Axis in Overweight and Obesity" at the AADOCR Research Day on Tuesday, February 11th. He was awarded first prize in the Max Smith Oral Presentation Post-Doctoral Competition.
College of Dentistry highlights, celebrates student researchers during AADOCR Research Day
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Following a day of speakers, posters, and presentations inside the Dental Science Building for the 72nd annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, students were recognized during the awards banquet at the Courtyard Marriott in University Heights.
College of Dentistry receives 2 national student research awards
Monday, February 10, 2025
The UI College of Dentistry was named the winner of two significant awards from the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) National Student Research Group (NSRG). The honors highlight the college's commitment to student research and discovery.
How Worms Provide Insight into Immune Responses of Immunocompromised Patients
Friday, February 7, 2025
Dr. Ransome van der Hoeven is working to improve options for immunocompromised patients. In his research, he has made advances in our understanding of innate immune responses by studying the worm, C. elegans.
Fluoride Skepticism in Focus: Alex Harper’s Research on Attitudes about Fluoride Use
Friday, February 7, 2025
As debates surrounding fluoride gain attention across the U.S., a dental student from the University of Iowa is tackling the issue head-on. Alex Harper, a fourth-year dental student, is investigating attitudes about fluoride and tap water. As misinformation erodes trust in science, Harper’s research provides timely insights into public perceptions and oral health behaviors.
Optimizing Your Research: Collaborating with the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology
Friday, February 7, 2025
The Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a valuable resource for researchers seeking to enhance the quality and efficiency of their studies so that they are well-designed, data-driven, and powerful.