The UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is a global leader in oral science and dental and craniofacial research
Dental Research with a lasting impact
At the forefront of innovation, the College of Dentistry is advancing oral health research with a mission to address both foundational and emerging challenges in dental science. Our research spans a wide range of topics, from improving patient outcomes and developing new technologies to tackling the underlying causes of oral diseases. Each study, whether in the lab or clinic, reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities around the world.
Over the last several years, the UI College of Dentistry has more than doubled its external research funding from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), vaulting from 24th in the nation and $2.2M to 13th overall and $4.8M in the latest rankings.
8
# 13
$ 26M +
40 %
Research News
New Gerber Foundation Award Will Test Home-Based Strategy to Prevent Early Childhood Tooth Decay
Thursday, August 6, 2026
With support from the Gerber Foundation, Jeff Banas and Mike Kanellis are leading a study to evaluate a simple, home-based approach that could help prevent tooth decay among children at highest risk for disease.
CRISP-funded endodontic research advances understanding of irrigation techniques and sealer performance
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Anelise Viapiana Masiero's research project supported by the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics' Clinical/Dental Education Research Initiative Support Program (CRISP) has generated new findings that could help clinicians improve root canal treatment outcomes while advancing understanding of emerging endodontic materials and techniques.
New NIH Grant Will Advance Prevention of Early Childhood Tooth Decay Through Study of the Oral Microbiome
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Erliang Zeng, Jeff Banas, and Karin Weber-Gasparoni at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics have received a new National Institutes of Health R01 award to better understand how early preventive interventions influence the oral microbiome and protect children from developing tooth decay.
University of Iowa Researcher Receives NIH Grant to Investigate Epigenetic Mechanisms Behind Orofacial Clefts
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Aline Petrin, assistant professor at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, has received a National Institutes of Health award to advance understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying nonsyndromic orofacial clefts, the most common craniofacial birth defect worldwide.
Iowa Dentistry Well Represented at the 2026 National Oral Health Conference
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Faculty, students, residents, and alumni from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics had strong representation at this year’s National Oral Health Conference, which brings together leaders in dental public health from across the country.
Hongli Sun's research team has their work recognized as a top‑cited article
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Research led by Hongli Sun has received national recognition for its impact in the field of biomaterials science. A paper published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials has been named one of the journal’s top 10 most‑cited articles published in 2024, according to the publisher Wiley.
How research at Iowa is rethinking the way cavities are treated
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Dental caries are the most prevalent disease in the world and at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, researchers are exploring novel ways to stop caries progression and promote repair.
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.
Iowa research group earns national recognition for most abstracts accepted at 2026 IADR/AADOCR/CADR
Friday, February 27, 2026
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics Student Research Group has been recognized for having the most student abstracts accepted for presentation at the 2026 IADR/AADOCR/CADR General Session & Exhibition.