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. The AADOCR recognized Iowa's Dental Student Research program for its degree of participation in 2024-2025.  

  • 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 2024, dental student researchers had 7 publications,  three of which with a dental student as the first author. For the 2025 AADOCR conference, 30 student researchers are presenting their research.

Faculty Mentors

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.

Student News

Vi Phan receiving the 2026 Student Researcher of the Year from Dr. Marshall

Vi Phan earns Outstanding Dental Student Research Award

Thursday, June 4, 2026
At the spring meeting of Dental Student Research Group, Vi Phan received the award for 2026 Outstanding Dental Researcher. 
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Six Student Researchers Earn Senior Research Achievement Awards

Thursday, June 4, 2026
Senior Research Achievement Awards are determined based on a portfolio of research that is circulated to a group of electors. The electors select award recipients based on the scientific merit of projects, the significance and productivity of projects, the number of years of involvement in research, the originality of the research, and the student's professional conduct. Award recipients were selected in 2026: Jessica Fuessley, Saba Manafi, Vi Phan, Jeremiah Poppen, Christina Spencer, and Taylor Westphal.
Participants at the 2026 Iowa Section of the AADOCR

Iowa student research group earns national recognition for most abstracts accepted at 2026 national meeting

Thursday, March 5, 2026
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics Student Research Group has been named the recipient of the AADOCR National Student Research Group (NSRG) contest for having the most student abstracts accepted for presentation at the 2026 IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session & Exhibition in San Diego.

Program Administrators

Teresa Marshall

Teresa Marshall, PhD, RDN/LDN

Professor, Preventative & Community Dentistry
Director, Student Research Program

Eric Van Otterloo

Eric Van Otterloo, PhD

Associate Professor, Periodontics, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Assistant Director, Student Research Program

Sheila Britton

Sheila Britton

Program Administrator
Student Research Program