The UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is a global leader in oral science and dental and craniofacial research

Dental Research with a lasting impact

At the forefront of innovation, the College of Dentistry is advancing oral health research with a mission to address both foundational and emerging challenges in dental science. Our research spans a wide range of topics, from improving patient outcomes and developing new technologies to tackling the underlying causes of oral diseases. Each study, whether in the lab or clinic, reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities around the world.

Since 2019, the UI College of Dentistry has more than doubled its external research funding from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), vaulting from 24th in the nation and $2.2M in 2019 to 12th overall and $4.6M in 2023. In 2023, Iowa ranked second in the Big Ten, trailing national leader Michigan in external funding from the NIDCR.

Research News

Jessica Grundmeyer

Jessica Grundmeyer Wins Student Cariology Research Award

Monday, December 2, 2024
The College of Dentistry congratulates Jessica Grundmeyer on receiving the 2024 Student Cariology Research Award from the American Academy of Cariology. Under the direction of Dr. Robert Bowers, assistant professor in the Department of Family Dentistry, Jessica’s research explores various methodologies for applying silver diamine fluoride (SDF), including supplemental topical agents, and examines their effects on root dentin's microhardness and biofilm inhibition.
Abhishek Parolia

Iowa endodontist explores a method to educate students in the practice of treatment planning

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
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.
Anelise Viapiana Masiero

Endodontist examines factors that influence endodontic sealers properties

Wednesday, September 18, 2024
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.

Research Faculty

Our faculty, who are affiliated with the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, make a difference in basic science, translational, and clinical research.

Student presentations at the 2024 Iowa Section of the AADOCR

Research Day

The Iowa Section of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research's annual research day brings together talent from around the state to share research and advancements in dentistry.

Aline Petrin conducting research

Research Support

The UI College of Dentistry has many resources available to support researchers. The Biostatistics and Computational Biology team is integral to our exponential growth in external research funding.

contact us

Contact us

Contact Iowa's dental research team.

Test tubes

Dental Student Research

Bringing research and education together.

A person with a graduate degree

Graduate Studies

Programs in eleven dental specialties and in oral science.