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
David Drake Retires After a Distinguished Career of Research, Mentorship, and Holiday Cheer
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Dr. David Drake is retiring after more than 30 years at Iowa. A pioneering researcher, dedicated mentor, and beloved Santa Claus, Drake leaves a legacy of scientific excellence, national leadership, and personal warmth that has shaped the College of Dentistry and the oral health research profession.
CRISP grant supports study of material trends in dental restorations
Monday, October 13, 2025
Robert Bowers and Anvita Maharishi, assistant professors in the Department of Family Dentistry, received a CRISP grant to study national trends in materials used for full coverage dental restorations. Their research will analyze data from 18 dental schools to assess the shift toward all-ceramic materials and inform updates to dental education and licensure standards.
CRISP grant supports study of genetic variation in Van der Woude syndrome
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Aline Petrin, assistant professor of orthodontics, received a CRISP grant to complete genetic screening of patients with Van der Woude syndrome. Her study will help clarify how genetic mutations influence disease severity and support future research into epigenetic factors that shape cleft phenotypes and guide individualized treatment strategies.
Olujitan Awarded Ballard & Seashore Fellowship
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Olujitan receives Fellowship to support final stages of her dissertation by providing protected time for research and writing.
Derek Smith Named Director of Biostatistics and Computational Biology
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The College of Dentistry welcomes Derek Smith as Director of the Division of Biostatistics and Computational Biology and associate professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry. Smith’s research applies statistical methods to oral health and cancer care. He brings extensive experience in clinical research, graduate education, and national guideline development to his new role.
NIDCR grant supports new statistical tools to study oral disease relationships
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Steven Levy and Shaoping Zhang are contributing to a new NIDCR-funded study developing statistical tools to explore links between dental caries and periodontal disease. The project uses national oral health data and will produce an open-source software package to help researchers improve analysis and support better patient outcomes.
Liu Hong, Hongli Sun appointed to research leadership roles at the College of Dentistry
Thursday, September 4, 2025
The College of Dentistry is pleased to announce that Dr. Liu Hong has been appointed interim director of the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, where he will oversee daily operations of the college’s research laboratories and facilities. Dr. Hongli Sun has been named Director of the Graduate Program in Oral Science. A nationally recognized researcher and educator, Sun brings expertise in nano-biomaterials and regenerative medicine, along with a strong commitment to graduate training and mentorship.
CRISP Grant Supports Study to Improve Communication and Reduce Complications After Wisdom Tooth Extractions
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Dr. Michelle McQuistan, associate professor in the Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, has received a CRISP grant to study whether the Teach-Back Method can improve patient understanding and reduce complications following wisdom tooth extractions. Her team will conduct a randomized trial to evaluate outcomes such as adherence to instructions, post-operative complications, and patient satisfaction as part of Dr. Ankita Vishwamitra’s thesis project in Dental Public Health.
University of Iowa dental faculty expert in restorations evaluates commercially available flowable composites
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Dr. Hiromi Saisho, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Dentistry, has received a CRISP grant to evaluate the mechanical performance of flowable resin composites. Her in-vitro study will assess fracture toughness and flexural strength across multiple formulations, aiming to guide clinicians in selecting materials that improve restoration longevity and reduce failure.
Iowa team advances gene treatment to prevent premature skull fusion in newborns
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
University of Iowa researchers, led by Dr. Brad Amendt, successfully tested a nano-sized packet that released a single gene to prevent craniosynostosis. The research team aims to begin human clinical trials in the next one to two years.