Research

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.

Since 2019, 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 in 2019 to 12th overall and $4.6M in 2023. In 2023, Iowa ranked second in the Big Ten, trailing national leader Michigan in external funding from the NIDCR.

Research News

Spearheading an International Network of Cleft Lip and Palate Research for African Populations

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Azeez Butali is a global leader in cleft lip and palate research and the world’s foremost expert in the genetics of these conditions in African populations. As part of his research mission, he has also spearheaded the formation of a diverse, international network of researchers in Africa and the US to develop, refine, and apply their findings for the benefit of African populations and their genetic descendants.

Iowa Dentistry Announces 2024 Seed Grant Awards

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is pleased to announce the 2024 Seed Grant Awards. This is the fourth 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.

NIH Awards Fitzjerrells Training Grant to Investigate Relationship Between Oral Microbiome and Multiple Sclerosis

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Rachel Fitzjerrells a T90 trainee in the Iowa Institute of Oral Health Research and a PhD student in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, was awarded an F31 grant.

Research Faculty

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

View all research faculty