The Department of Family Dentistry recognized student achievement during its annual awards presentation on May 21, 2026, in Room W220 of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry.
Faculty members, family members, classmates, and guests gathered to celebrate students for accomplishments in clinical care, leadership, practice management, humanitarian service, esthetic dentistry, endodontics, and patient care.
Award recipients
American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit
Luke Howland-Lopez received the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Student Award of Merit.
The award was introduced by Dr. Chris Barwacz, DEO and professor in the Department of Family Dentistry, and presented by Dr. Steven Means, group leader in the Department of Family Dentistry.
American Association of Endodontists Student Achievement in Endodontics Award
Gabrielle Mumm received the American Association of Endodontists Student Achievement in Endodontics Award.
The award was introduced and presented by Dr. Manuel Gómez, associate professor in the Department of Endodontics and director of D4 Endodontics in the Department of Family Dentistry.
Brasseler USA Award
Mychyl M. Brown received the Brasseler USA Award.
The award was introduced by Dr. Steven Means, group leader and associate in the Department of Family Dentistry, and presented by Mr. Scott O’Conner, Brasseler USA district manager.
Dr. Duane Schmidt Practice Management Awards
The Dr. Duane Schmidt Practice Management Awards recognized:
- First prize: Rachel K. Kellogg
- Second prize: Taylor J. Westphal
- Third prize: Cora A. Hinkle
The awards were introduced by Dr. John Syrbu, associate professor in the Department of Family Dentistry and director of Practice Management Education, and presented by Dr. Hiromi Saisho, assistant professor and group leader in the Department of Family Dentistry.
Future Leader in General Dentistry Award
Brandon J. Cooley and Ellen M. Sneller received the Future Leader in General Dentistry Award, formerly the AGD award.
The award was introduced by Dr. John Syrbu, associate professor and group leader in the Department of Family Dentistry, and presented by Dr. Carrie McKnight, associate professor in the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, faculty advisor, and fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry.
Delta Dental of Iowa Treatment Planning and Documentation Award
Recipients of the Delta Dental of Iowa Treatment Planning and Documentation Award included:
- Margaret J. Rooney
- Kaitlyn A. Spry
- Sukhdeep Singh
- Saba Manafi
Rooney was introduced by Dr. Chonghwa Kim, associate professor, and Dr. Michael Santucci, assistant professor and co-group leader in the Department of Family Dentistry.
Spry was introduced by Dr. John Syrbu, group leader and associate professor in the Department of Family Dentistry.
Singh was introduced by Dr. Hiromi Saisho, group leader and assistant professor in the Department of Family Dentistry.
Manafi was introduced by Dr. Steven Means, group leader and associate in the Department of Family Dentistry.
The award was presented by Kate Lyle, professional relations manager at Delta Dental of Iowa.
Dr. John C. Kois Prize in Clinical Excellence Award
Bryce J. Carroll received the Dr. John C. Kois Prize in Clinical Excellence Award.
The award was introduced by Dr. Steven Means, group leader and associate in the Department of Family Dentistry, and presented by Dr. John Syrbu, associate professor in the Department of Family Dentistry.
Caries Management Award
Bryce J. Carroll also received the Caries Management Award.
The award was introduced by Dr. Steven Means, group leader and associate, and presented by Dr. Marcela Hernandez, professor in the Department of Family Dentistry.
Senior Student Excellence in Patient Care Award
Jenny N. Hughes received the Senior Student Excellence in Patient Care Award.
The certificate recognizes a senior dental student who contributes to a compassionate and professional environment for patients and staff and consistently goes above and beyond expectations to ensure patient comfort and respect during urgent and emergency care.
The award was introduced and presented by Dr. Alberto Gasparoni, associate professor in Dental Clinic Administration.
Senior Student Excellence in Urgent Care Award
An-Vi Phan received the Senior Student Excellence in Urgent Care Award.
The certificate recognizes a senior dental student who contributes to all aspects of patient needs by providing urgent care with diligence, thoroughness, and attention to detail.
The award was introduced and presented by Dr. Alberto Gasparoni, associate professor in Dental Clinic Administration.
International College of Dentists Humanitarian Award
An-Vi Phan received the International College of Dentists Humanitarian Award.
The award recognizes a student who exemplifies and demonstrates a passion for altruistic humanitarian service as a dental student.
The award was introduced and presented by Dr. Alberto Gasparoni, associate professor in Dental Clinic Administration.
International College of Dentists Leadership Award
Tyler J. Jenness received the International College of Dentists Leadership Award.
The award recognizes a student who demonstrated leadership as a dental student and future leadership potential.
The award was introduced and presented by Dr. Alberto Gasparoni, associate professor in Dental Clinic Administration.
Dr. James Michael Leary Memorial Award
Collin P. Sexton received the Dr. James Michael Leary Memorial Award.
The award was introduced by Dr. Chris Barwacz, DEO and associate professor in the Department of Family Dentistry; Dr. Hiromi Saisho, assistant professor and group leader in the Department of Family Dentistry; and members of the Leary family, including Mrs. Karolyn Leary, wife of Dr. Mike Leary; Dr. Kecia Leary, daughter of Dr. Leary; and Mikaela Vogel, granddaughter of Dr. Leary.
The annual awards presentation recognizes graduating students for excellence across multiple areas of dentistry and highlights the Department of Family Dentistry’s commitment to clinical care, leadership, scholarship, and service.
