Faculty, students, residents, and alumni from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics had strong representation at this year’s National Oral Health Conference, which brings together leaders in dental public health from across the country and which was held in Oklahoma City, OK. The annual meeting is co‑sponsored by the American Association of Public Health Dentistry and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors and serves as a forum for advancing research, policy, education, and practice in public health dentistry.
Iowa’s presence at the conference reflected the college’s long‑standing commitment to improving oral health through research, education, and service. Attendees included faculty from the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, current dental public health residents, dental students, postdoctoral scholars, and graduates of Iowa’s dental public health residency program.
Student and Trainee Achievements
Several Iowa‑affiliated students and trainees were recognized for their scholarly work during the conference.
Pamela Nwachukwu, a current postdoctoral scholar and recent PhD graduate, received the second‑place Leverett Doctoral Merit Award from the American Association of Public Health Dentistry. The Leverett awards recognize outstanding achievement in dental public health scholarship and are highly competitive at the national level.
Iowa dental students also contributed poster presentations that highlighted emerging research and public health initiatives. Poster presenters included D2 students Julia Norton and Kim Vo, as well as D3 student Ann Luo.
Faculty Leadership and Service
Faculty leadership from Iowa Dentistry was also on display throughout the meeting. Julie C. Reynolds was sworn in as president of the American Association of Public Health Dentistry during the conference, marking a significant leadership milestone for both Reynolds and the college.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Iowa alumni who have held national leadership roles within dental public health organizations. Former Iowa graduates Richi Kohli (MS '09) and Susan McKernan (PhD '12; MS '09) completed their respective tenures as president of the AAPHD and president of the American Board of Dental Public Health during the meeting.
New Diplomates Recognized
Two University of Iowa Dental Public Health MS graduates were among a select group recognized for achieving board certification this year. Mary Tandon and William Senn were two of only six individuals nationwide honored as new diplomates of the American Board of Dental Public Health in 2025, reflecting their expertise and commitment to advancing the field of dental public health.
A Tradition of Engagement in Dental Public Health
Participation in the National Oral Health Conference underscores the University of Iowa College of Dentistry’s sustained engagement in dental public health education, research, and leadership. From student presentations and national awards to service on professional boards and organizations, Iowa faculty, students, and alumni continue to shape conversations that influence oral health policy and practice nationwide.
