The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is a global leader in oral science and dental and craniofacial research.
A $61 million renovation of the Dental Science Building—completed in 2016—modernized dental clinics and enhanced research facilities at the college. In 2017, the college also began sustained investments in research infrastructure to make full use of its facilities, including multiple grant support specialists, a director of science writing and editing, and the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology. These renovations, and investments in infrastructure, along with a focus on recruiting, hiring, and supporting new researchers has resulted in a record number of external grant funds, largely from the National Institutes of Health, and a record number of grant applications.
Top 12 in NIDCR Research Funding
In FY2023, the University of Iowa was ranked 12th among all dental schools for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) funding with just over $4.6M.
Research Faculty
Faculty who are affiliated with the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research make a difference in basic science, translational, and clinical research.
Graduate Studies
Programs in eleven dental specialties and in oral science.
Iowa Section of the AADOCR
Promoting oral, dental, and craniofacial research.
Dental Student Research
Bringing research and education together.
Seed Grant Program
CRISP Pilot Grants
Research Support
Research News
Iowa dental researcher receives supplemental NIH award
Dentistry faculty receives Nakao Foundation grant to compare restoration outcomes for older adults
Pilot study investigating jaw disorders among college students receives clinical research grant
NIH awards grant to Iowa dental faculty
Dentistry faculty receives industry-sponsored grant to evaluate a new 2-step universal adhesive
NIH R01 grant awarded to orthodontics faculty
Project evaluating photography in shade matching receives clinical research grant
Dentistry faculty receives industry-sponsored grant to improve ceramic veneers outcomes
Dry mouth project receives clinical research grant
Iowa graduate student receives inaugural IADR Smile Train Cleft Research Award
Research Areas
Biostatistics and Computational Biology
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology provides state-of-the-art and cost-effective biostatistics and bioinformatics support for all the research projects conducted at the college
Bioengineering, Tissue Engineering, Stem Cells, Biomaterials and Materials Research
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a worldwide leader in the use of bio- and tissue-engineering of stem cells, biomaterials, and other materials to produce new and exciting therapies.
Clinical, Translational, and Big Data Research
Dental researchers at the college have a strong history of pursuing clinical and translational research in a collaborative and supportive environment with the goal of improving patient care. These efforts are now being augmented by big data resources.
Craniofacial, Oral Biology, Genetics, and Dental Development
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a worldwide leader in the genetics of craniofacial and dental development with the aim of identifying genetic and environmental causes of craniofacial and dental anomalies.
Immunology, Inflammation, Microbiology, Caries, and Microbiome Research
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a worldwide leader in studies of microbiology and the microbiome and their effects on caries progression, periodontal disease and on oral cancer.
Oral Cancer
With expertise in several related fields, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is becoming a worldwide leader in oral cancer research. These research efforts can improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer and significantly improve survival rates and reduce morbidity.
Oral Health Policy Research
Oral health is a vital component of our physical, social, and emotional well-being. Evidence increasingly links dental disease with poor health outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight, as well as heart disease. Since the 1990s, Iowa's oral health policy researchers have investigated a broad range of dental topics, focusing on conducting research that informs oral health policy at local, state, and national levels.
Public Health, Epidemiology, and Behavior Science
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a worldwide and national leader in dental public health with specific attention on support for underserved populations and environmental influences on oral health.