Faculty Mentors

Dental Student Research Program

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has the most accomplished student research program in the country.

  • Participation

    With over 40 dental students participating in the program, approximately one-eighth of all dental students participate in any given semester. Around 40% of all dental students at Iowa spend at least one year participating in the program. The AADOCR recognized Iowa's Dental Student Research program for its degree of participation in 2024-2025.  

  • Accomplishments

    Graduates of the program learn how evidence and research makes a difference in all areas of dentistry—whether in private practice or in academic or clinical research. 

  • Productivity

    In 2024, dental student researchers had 7 publications,  three of which with a dental student as the first author. For the 2025 AADOCR conference, 30 student researchers are presenting their research.

Student News

Faculty and staff pose with Herky before research day beings

2025 AADOCR Research Day Photo Gallery

Monday, February 17, 2025
The College of Dentistry hosted the 72nd Annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Assocation for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research on Tuesday, February 11. The day featured faculty presentations and student oral and poster presentations around the Dental Science Building.
A dental student points out two sections of her poster during a presentation on Feb. 11, 2025.

College of Dentistry highlights, celebrates student researchers during AADOCR Research Day

Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Following a day of speakers, posters, and presentations inside the Dental Science Building for the 72nd annual meeting of the Iowa Section of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, students were recognized during the awards banquet at the Courtyard Marriott in University Heights.
A dental student points out two sections of her poster during a presentation on Feb. 11, 2025.

College of Dentistry receives 2 national student research awards

Monday, February 10, 2025
The UI College of Dentistry was named the winner of two significant awards from the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) National Student Research Group (NSRG). The honors highlight the college's commitment to student research and discovery.

Spring 2024 Student Research Group Newsletter

Alumni Interviews

Julie Reynolds

Julie Reynolds

Julie Reynolds is an assistant professor in Preventive and Community Dentistry and a vocal supporter of the Dental Student Research Program. She regularly mentors current dental students in the program.

William McBride

William McBride

William McBride ('10 DDS) is a private-practice dentist in Coralville, IA and he served as chair of the Iowa Dental Board during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Program Administrators

Teresa Marshall

Teresa Marshall, PhD, RDN/LDN

Professor, Preventative & Community Dentistry
Director, Student Research Program

Eric Van Otterloo

Eric Van Otterloo, PhD

Associate Professor, Periodontics, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Assistant Director, Student Research Program

Sheila Britton

Sheila Britton

Program Administrator
Student Research Program