Robert Bowers and Anvita Maharishi, assistant professors in the Department of Family Dentistry, received a CRISP grant to study national trends in materials used for full coverage dental restorations. Their research will analyze data from 18 dental schools to assess the shift toward all-ceramic materials and inform updates to dental education and licensure standards.

Dr. Michelle McQuistan, associate professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, has received a CRISP grant to study whether the Teach-Back Method can improve patient understanding and reduce complications following wisdom tooth extractions. Her team will conduct a randomized trial to evaluate outcomes such as adherence to instructions, post-operative complications, and patient satisfaction as part of Dr. Ankita Vishwamitra’s thesis project in Dental Public Health.

Dr. Hiromi Saisho, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Dentistry, has received a CRISP grant to evaluate the mechanical performance of flowable resin composites. Her in-vitro study will assess fracture toughness and flexural strength across multiple formulations, aiming to guide clinicians in selecting materials that improve restoration longevity and reduce failure.

With a University of Iowa CRISP grant, Dr. Abhishek Parolia is using a web-based training program based on the Dental Practicality Index (DPI) to educate students in the practice of treatment planning.

With a College of Dentistry CRISP grant, Anelise Viapiana Masiero is investigating how use of different instrumentation techniques, irrigation techniques, and heat affects endodontic sealers properties.

Dr. Anvita Maharishi, assistant professor of Family Dentistry at the University of Iowa, has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED) to support her research project on chairside graded zirconia materials.

An Yi Ma's research investigating various types of fiber post removal strategies lays the foundation for an evidence-based set of practices for fiber post removal in a general dentist's office.

Thiago Soares Porto's research on bioactive glasses with niobum nanoparticles is intended to develop a novel adhesive system capable of enhancing the quality and longevity of dental restorations

Sivaraman Prakasam, associate professor and head of the Department of Periodontics, is investigating a particular group of proteins that discriminates between good and bad bacteria in a person’s gingiva (gum) and mouth to modulate the body’s immune response. His research could lead to new tools that can prevent or treat periodontitis.

The Dental Student Research Program at Iowa Dentistry has a long and venerable tradition of teaching students to conduct and think critically about research. Fourth-year dental student Colton Curtis exemplifies these qualities in his work investigating methods to improve dry mouth and oral health in older populations with dentures. Curtis’ experience over the course of his dental career illustrates this well. He began doing research in his first year, but it took him a while to zero in on the right topic.