Dean's Message

This afternoon marks a momentous occasion for the University of Iowa College of Dentistry as we gather to celebrate commencement day.  For the dental students, this is the conclusion of four years of hard work signifying the completion of a significant chapter in both your personal and professional lives. For our graduate students and residents, this is a celebration of your accomplishments of becoming specialists in the community of dentists. This is a day of celebration for the entire college community, including the staff, faculty, and fellow students. Our patients are the recipients of the excellence of our care. Our advancements in discovery science makes daily impacts transforming the future of our patients' lives. This is due to the excellent staff, faculty, and the collaborative spirit of our college creating wonderful outcomes. Take a moment to reflect on our accomplishments and the challenges we have all overcome. Moving forward, carry with you the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired here and remember to surround yourself with a strong and supportive community. ~Clark Stanford

Updates for May 31, 2024–June 13, 2024

Join us in-person or virtually for 2024 Commencement

At 3 p.m. (CT) today, commencement for the University of Iowa College of Dentistry will begin at Hancher Auditorium. This is a celebration for the dental students, graduate students, and residents. Dean Stanford and President Wilson will deliver the welcome message and greeting to the graduating class. Luke Hovey, of Bettendorf, Iowa, will be the dental student speaker. Associate Dean Sherry Timmons will present honors and awards. Faculty members Steven Means, Maria Marcela Hernández Luna, Michael Santucci, and John Syrbu will present hoods to the candidates. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the University of Iowa’s YouTube channel.

Sara Stuefen’s voice for change

In October, Sara Stuefen (’10 DDS) will become the District 10 Trustee for the American Dental Association. She will serve as the collective voice for more than 6,500 dentists in the Midwest and even more patients. It’s an opportunity for her to bring a new perspective to organized dentistry and continue advocating for dentists and patients.

Family Dentistry hosts student awards banquet

The Department of Family Dentistry held its annual Student Awards Luncheon on May 23 to celebrate accomplishments and achievements of its students. The department recognized 15 students.

Abuhammoud named Student Research Mentor of the Year

Dr. Salahaldeen Abuhammoud was named the 2023-24 Student Research Mentor of the Year by the Iowa Chapter of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research. This award was presented in recognition of his efforts to enhance students research at the College of Dentistry. Congratulations!

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Callan

Get to know Michael Callan, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Orthodontics

 “They light up, right, and they finally feel comfortable with their own smile and that is so, so rewarding.”

The Franchise Orthodontic Practice Model

Mark Stasi, a 1983 UI College of Dentistry graduate, spoke to Orthodontics Products on the success and autonomy he found as a franchise owner.

“Honestly, treating 25 to 30 patients a day wasn’t what I wanted. I felt like I could help 75 to 85 patients a day,” says Stasi.

Kudos to you!

Jordan W’s review: “Our experience was great! Ladies were awesome with my daughter and very pleased with our visit!”

Hawkeye Smile summer schedule

The Hawkeye Smile Newsletter will be moving to a summer schedule, publishing every other week through June, taking a break for three weeks in July then returning to a weekly cadence in August. If you have any news to share during the summer, please reach out to jack-rossi@uiowa.edu.

Events

May 31, UI College of Dentistry Commencement Ceremony, 3 p.m., Hancher Auditorium

June 6, Culturally Responsive Health Care Conference, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Carver College of Medicine, 1110A MERF. Co-sponsored by the College of Dentistry. CE Credit pending, course overview

August 2, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

August 8, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

August 14, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

August 29, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

September 6, Chew on This: Emerging Trends in Pediatric Dental Care CE course, 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

September 13, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

September 13-14, Dentistry Alumni Reunion Weekend (years ending in 4s and 9s)

September 19, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

September 30, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

October 4-5, Iowa Mission of Mercy (IMOM), Sioux City, Iowa, Tyson Events Center

October 18, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

October 30, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day (Virtual)

November 7, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

Notes and Resources 

Lend a helping hand. Due to her own health-related needs, Ashley Marzocchi has exhausted her sick leave and vacation. If you would like to help Ashley by contributing vacation time, please go to the following website: CAT Leave, and click on “Catastrophic Leave Donation Form.”

Filling Station Menu

Hours: M-R: 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; F: 7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 

The Hawkeye Smile banner image shows dental students during the 71st Anniversary of the UI's Iowa Section of the AADOCR