Two Iowa Dental Students Earn NIH Student Research Awards

Dental Student Research Program

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has the most accomplished student research program in the country.

  • Participation

    With over 40 dental students participating in the program, approximately one-eighth of all dental students participate in any given semester. Around 40% of all dental students at Iowa spend at least one year participating in the program. Among all institutions in the National Student Research Group, Iowa had the greatest percentage of student members for 2018-2019.  

  • Accomplishments

    Graduates of the program learn how evidence and research makes a difference in all areas of dentistry—whether in private practice or in academic or clinical research. 

  • Productivity

    In 2023, dental student researchers had 8 publications,  three of which with a dental student as the first author. For the 2022-2023 academic year, 27 students presented their research at national conferences (e.g., the IADR, the AADOCR, NOHC, AAPD, etc.). 

Mary Young

Mary Young (Class of 2024)

Third-year dental student Mary Young has made the most of her research opportunities at Iowa studying craniofacial biology.

Hannah Klaassen

Hannah Klaassen ('21 DDS)

Klaassen's research on patient satisfaction and improving the patient experience helped improve the patient experience at Iowa.

Frankie Chyi

Frankie Chyi ('20 DDS)

Chyi's work examined how to improve patient care for low-income patients.

Spring 2023 Student Research Group Newsletter

Alumni Interviews

Julie Reynolds

Julie Reynolds

Julie Reynolds is an assistant professor in Preventive and Community Dentistry and a vocal supporter of the Dental Student Research Program. She regularly mentors current dental students in the program.

William McBride

William McBride

William McBride ('10 DDS) is a private-practice dentist in Coralville, IA and he served as chair of the Iowa Dental Board during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Program Administrators

Teresa Marshall

Teresa Marshall

Director
Student Research Program

Eric Van Otterloo

Eric Van Otterloo

Assistant Director
Student Research Program

Sheila Britton

Sheila Britton

Program Administrator
Student Research Program