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 Career Blending Art and Science

Dr. Vroman’s strong dedication to her patients has led her to build a career in orthodontics, which she believes is a perfect mixture of art and science. Reflecting on this aspect of her career, she states, “Not only can I focus on problem solving, but also the finishing touches that make a patient's smile beautiful.” This blend of two disciplines is what keeps Dr. Vroman passionate about her work. She finds fulfillment in crafting solutions that are not only functional but also healthy for each individual patient.

Learning as a Journey, Not a Destination

Vroman’s success story is built on a strong foundation for learning, which she believes should never stop, saying, “The day you think you have nothing left to learn is the day you should retire.” She strongly believes in learning from everyone you meet. Vroman’s advice to students, adopt a mindset of, “Never think you're the smartest person in the room.” For Vroman, learning is not just a tool she used to achieve her success, but rather a lifelong habit that she continues to demonstrate in her work today.

Vroman also believes that getting help is never a sign of weakness, but rather a necessity in the industry. “Don't be afraid to get help from people in their field of specialty. We all have different strengths,” she explains. By continuing to learn, she has not only grown in her profession but also as a leader, mentor, and communicator.

Prioritizing the Patient

Dr. Vroman has a love for helping patients and making a positive impact on the community. One of her favorite moments from her career comes from seeing the results she was able to give a special patient who had lost hope in his smile. Vroman still sees him walking through the community, and his bright smile and warm hug remind her why she chose this profession. 

“Talking to your patients on a personal level and regular communication with them about their care is essential to developing trust,” she states. This can be easily overlooked and delegated to other staff members, but Vroman thinks it is essential to provide the care a patient deserves. For Dr. Vroman, it’s building trust and genuine connections that make her work truly meaningful.

Inspiring Educator

In an ever-evolving industry like orthodontics, there are sometimes challenges that come up which take a great deal of problem-solving and creativity. Vroman teaches students to break down these complex problems into smaller pieces. “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,” she explains. By teaching a step-by-step approach, Vroman is empowering students to embrace the complexities of orthodontics with patience and persistence.

While she remains dedicated to her work and teaching the next generation, Dr. Vroman also remembers to stay grounded. Her family remains a top priority in her life, which provides her with a strong sense of work-life balance.

She also takes her learning mindset into her teaching. “If you don't look at your own work critically, you won't realize how you can improve with every case,” she tells her students. Vroman loves interacting with the residents she teaches because she believes that she has the opportunity to learn from the next generation as well. 

Becoming an Innovator

Where is the future of orthodontics going? Dr. Vroman believes digital orthodontics can make a massive impact on patient care. This is a technology that is still developing, and something Vroman believes she still has a lot to learn about. She looks forward to growing alongside this innovative technology so she can provide the highest level of care in the future.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is thankful to have Dr. Maura Vroman as part of its adjunct community. Her dedication to learning, patient care, and innovation has left a lasting impact on her students, patients, and colleagues.