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
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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
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
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.
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
This record-breaking number shows that Iowa remains a destination DDS program for students from all over the country.
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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.
Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology
Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology
New technologies are transforming the practice of dentistry. Whether it’s computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to design and 3D-printed restorations, dentures or implants; intraoral digital scanners for fast and accurate images; or high-resolution monitors for simulation clinics, Iowa is committed to helping our students thrive as they learn to use and apply these transformative technologies.
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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.
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 practice in a realistic, simulated environment.
A Global Leader
Spearheading an International Network of Cleft Lip and Palate Research for African Populations
Making a Difference in Iowa
Preventive Oral Health Care for Toddlers and Infants
A Destination Dental School That Makes a Difference for Iowans
Vi Phan earns Outstanding Dental Student Research Award
2026 Mentor of the Year
Six Student Researchers Earn Senior Research Achievement Awards
DDS student Jeremiah Poppen (D4) featured in Dare to Discover campaign
Ganesan delivers open plenary address at annual scientific conference
Steven D. Marshall receives 2026 Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics
31 students provide care at His Hands Dental Clinic
University of Iowa researcher invited to present at NIH advisory council meeting
Department of Family Dentistry hosts annual student awards presentation
