The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics and the Dental Alumni Association recognized three alumni for their contributions to dental education, patient care, leadership, and service during the 2026 Alumni Reunion on Sept. 11.

Dr. Joyce Li joined the College of Dentistry August 26 following postgraduate training at UCLA.

With a new National Institutes of Health R01 award, Hongli Sun is leading research to develop a new strategy for repairing jawbone damaged by periodontal disease. The project seeks to help the body not only stop disease progression but also regenerate the tissues that have been lost.

Matthew Lee, a resident in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, was selected as a Smigel Scholar for the 2026 American Society for Dental Aesthetics Annual Conference.

Sukirth Ganesan presented University of Iowa research on metabolic disease and oral health at the 242nd National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council Meeting hosted by the National Institutes of Health.

The American Academy of Periodontology recently convened the Best Evidence Consensus Meeting on the Prevention of Peri-Implantitis in Chicago from May 15–18.

On Wednesday, May 14, 2026, the Department of Periodontics held its annual awards luncheon in W220 at the College of Dentistry. Awards were presented to D2 and D4 students in recognition of academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership, and commitment to the specialty of periodontics.

Dr. Sukirth Ganesan, associate professor and graduate program director in the Department of Periodontics at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, recently served as an examiner for the oral examination component of the American Board of Periodontology, held April 27–May 1 in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dr. Ankita Samal, a third-year resident in the Periodontics Program at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, earned second place in the Clinical Case Competition at the Midwest Society of Periodontology Annual Meeting held in Chicago.

Sukirth Ganesan is leading a clinical study examining whether an arginine‑containing toothpaste can influence the subgingival microbiome in patients receiving supportive periodontal care. The six‑month trial will track microbial and clinical changes to determine whether this common dentifrice ingredient can support long‑term periodontal health without increasing disease risk.