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 10 in NIDCR Research Funding

In 2020, the University of Iowa was ranked 10th in the country, and 2nd in the Big 10, for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) funding with just over $6.4M,

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Research Faculty

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

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Graduate Studies

Programs in eleven dental specialties and in oral science.

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Iowa Section of the AADOCR

Promoting oral, dental, and craniofacial research.

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Dental Student Research

Bringing research and education together.

Research News

Seed Grant

The College of Dentistry Announces 2023 Seed Grant Awards

Thursday, January 26, 2023
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is pleased to announce the 2023 Seed Grant Awards. This is the third year of the seed grant program, and these grants fund innovative projects from early-career investigators or established investigators who are developing a new line of research.
Shaoping Zhang

Iowa Dental Faculty awarded major National Institutes of Health R01 grant

Wednesday, January 25, 2023
The National Institutes of Health awarded Shaoping Zhang, assistant professor of periodontics, and his team a 5-year, $1.95 million R01 grant to assess and understand the role of type I interferon (IFN-I) in periodontal disease. This major research project is part of Iowa Dentistry’s efforts to advance research and discovery—producing novel translational research that can treat those who suffer from periodontitis.
Iowa periodontics faculty at the AAP Annual Meeting in 2022

Iowa represents at the 2022 American Academy of Periodontology

Thursday, November 10, 2022
The 2022 American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) held its 108th Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona from October 27 to October 30. The University of Iowa Department of Periodontics had excellent participation with numerous invited speakers and recognitions.

Research Events

NIH F31 Overview promotional image

NIH F31 Overview

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual
The NIH F31 Overview webinar is an introduction aimed primarily at graduate students and will include Q&A opportunities. See eligibility requirements for NIH F31 below.
View more events

Research Areas

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Public Policy Center and 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 1991, the Public Policy Center has investigated a broad range of dental topics in collaboration with investigators at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics focusing on conducting research that informs oral health policy at local, state, and national levels.