Hawkeyes Make a Difference

Help us reach our goal!

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

Patient visits each year.

98 of 99

Iowa counties have our dental graduates practicing there.

14.2

of every 100,000 Iowans will develop oral cancer.

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.

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Together, Hawkeyes advance research and discovery

Hongli Sun conducting research

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

in the Big 10 for research dollars received

In 2022, Iowa received $5.4 million in research funding from The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). These funds account for about half of Iowa Dentistry's external research support.

$9,471,347

in external research funding received.

Since 2020, Iowa Dentistry's seed grants have resulted in almost $10 million in external research funding. These funds are excellent tools to recruit and retain high-caliber, early career faculty.

A Global Leader

Mary Young with her mentor Azeez Butali

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

Karin Weber-Gasparoni high-fiving a patient in the WIC clinic

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.
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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.

White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2027 and the Advanced Standing Class of 2025

1,135

students applied to our DDS program in 2023

This record-breaking number shows that Iowa remains a destination DDS program for students from all over the country.

10 of 12

recognized advanced training programs available

The American Dental Association recognizes 12 dental advanced specialties. With 10 advanced training programs and two other innovative programs, our students receive the highest quality dental education.

A Destination Dental School That Makes a Difference for Iowans

Sukirth Ganesan

Iowa periodontist explores how metabolic health shapes the oral microbiome

Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Sukirth Ganesan received an NIH R01 award to study how improvements in metabolic health influence the oral microbiome. The interdisciplinary research team, led by Ganesan, includes investigators from the College of Dentistry and the Carver College of Medicine, spanning expertise in endocrinology, bariatric surgery, nutrition and dietetics, immunology, biochemistry, and computational biology. His team will track microbial and metabolic changes in the mouth over time to identify early biomarkers that support prevention and improve oral and overall health outcomes.

9 Things You Might Not Know About the College of Dentistry’s Embedded Pharmacy

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is home to a distinctive pharmacy model that strengthens patient care, enriches dental education, and supports collaboration across disciplines. Here are nine facts about this valuable resource.
Karin and Nathalia pose for a photo in Rome, Italy.

How family shapes pediatric dentistry at Iowa

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
For Karin Weber-Gasparoni, pediatric dentistry is personal. Inspired by her daughter’s journey with special health care needs, she has spent decades at Iowa pioneering programs that bring compassionate, comprehensive care to every child—starting at birth.
A photo of Leo, his wife Adriana, and parents in front of the Old Capitol in Iowa City.

A legacy built upon compassion

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
In São José dos Campos, Brazil, a new dental center now bears the name of Dr. Norberto Marchini—a tribute to four decades of compassionate service. For his son, Leo Marchini, a professor at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, the dedication is a reminder that his father’s values live on, from Brazil to Iowa City, in every act of care.
Pharmacy shelves.

Inside the College of Dentistry’s Onsite Pharmacy

Monday, January 12, 2026
Matthew Yeates, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, where he works in the fully embedded pharmacy, located on the third floor of the Dental Science Building near the Family Dentistry clinic serving dental patients, faculty, and students. In this conversation, Yeates discusses the pharmacy’s role in education, patient care, and customized treatment.
Award plaques and medals for the 2025 OKU award winners

2025 OKU Reception Photo Gallery

Friday, January 9, 2026
Students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Holiday Inn Coralville to recognize and celebrate new members of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Mu Chapter on January 27, 2025.
Dr. Saulo Sousa Melo headshot

New department executive officer announced.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Dr. Saulo Sousa Melo was announced as the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine's next Department Executive Officer, effective April 15, 2026.
Steven Fletcher headshot

Fletcher named departmental executive officer of Oral Surgery

Thursday, December 18, 2025
Steven Fletcher, clinical professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery, has been named Departmental Executive Officer (DEO) of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics following a national search.
Sukirth Ganesan headshot

Ganesan named Dentistry Centennial Associate Professor of Clinical Research

Thursday, December 11, 2025
Sukirth Ganesan, associate professor of periodontics and program director of the Advanced Education Program in Periodontology, has been named the Dentistry Centennial Associate Professor of Clinical Research
Emmanual Aladenika headshot

UI oral sciences student uncovers genetic clues to cleft formation

Monday, December 8, 2025
During the Graduate College's Three Minute Thesis competition, fourth-year Ph.D candidate in Oral Sciences, Emmanual Aladenika, shared his research which has identified variations in genetics that contribute to cleft formation.
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Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

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

Simulation Operatories

The Sim Clinic, Iowa Dentistry's hands-on skills clinic, has 80 operatories that are intended to help first- and second-year dental students practice in a realistic, simulated environment.

8

In-house 3D printers

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.