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.
Spring 2026 Newsletter
Faculty Mentors
Alumni Interviews
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 ('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
NIH Awards Olberding Training Grant to Investigate Genetic Mechanisms of Jaw Development
Vi Phan earns Outstanding Dental Student Research Award
Six Student Researchers Earn Senior Research Achievement Awards
Program Administrators
Teresa Marshall, PhD, RDN/LDN
Professor, Preventative & Community Dentistry
Director, Student Research Program
Eric Van Otterloo, PhD
Associate Professor, Periodontics, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Assistant Director, Student Research Program
Sheila Britton
Program Administrator
Student Research Program