Dean's Message

Every day in our clinics we witness the profound impact our work has on the lives of our patients — how a restored smile can boost confidence, how alleviating pain can improve somebody's quality of life, and how our innovative treatments and approaches can bring hope to those who need it most. Our college is not only a place of first-class learning and transformational research, but also a beacon of healing for citizens of Iowa and beyond. We are truly making a difference and that is a testament to the power of our collective efforts. Thank you for your continued dedication and passion toward our mission! Cheers! ~Clark Stanford

Updates for January 31- February 6, 2025

Cunningham-Ford to retire after 45 years

After 45 years at the UI College of Dentistry, Marsha Cunningham-Ford, associate professor of preventive and community dentistry, retired on Jan. 3, 2025. Since joining the University of Iowa in 1979, Cunningham-Ford taught more than 4,000 predoctoral dental students and hundreds of grad students. She won several teaching awards at the national, university, and collegiate level, she served in the ADEA Council of Faculties form 2003-09 and was the Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) university’s Mu Chapter president in 2018. She will remain an emeriti faculty as will retain an active role at the college. Congratulations on your retirement!

Dental students participate in IDA Day on the Hill

UI dental students joined the Iowa Dental Association in Des Moines on January 29 for a day of advocacy at the state capital. Students and fellow dentists alike advocated for solutions, legislations, and reforms to benefit Iowa's providers and patients. 

Dare to Discover: Phuong Nguyen

Phuong Nguyen, a PhD student in informatics, is featured in this year’s Dare to Discover campaign. Mentored by Erliang Zeng, Nguyen is developing computer programs to identify genetic markers and understand how they can influence human diseases and traits. This research is playing a pivotal role is the development of personalized medicine, which leads to more effective therapies and better outcomes.

Why Ageism in Dentistry Can’t Be Ignored

Leonardo Marchini, department head of preventive and community dentistry, recently published a guest editorial in Special Care in Dentistry on why ageism in dentistry can’t be ignored. The editorial presents evidence-based perspectives on the nature of ageism, it’s consequences in healthcare, and the current knowledge and gaps regarding ageism in oral health care.

Info corner: Occurrences of violence

In the event of combative patients, visitors, etc, you should notify the CoD security guard, Department of Public Safety (Campus Security) at 5-5022 or in the event of a life-threatening situation 911. The college's on-site security guard, Shannon Hoyt, can be reached on his work-related cell phone at 319-631-8999.

Join us in Chicago

The UI College of Dentistry is hosting an alumni reception in Chicago on Friday, Feb. 21 in conjunction with the Midwinter Meeting. If you’re in town, please consider joining Dean Stanford and several department heads at the Chicago Athletic Association from 6-9 p.m. in the Madison Ballroom. Food and beverages will be provided.

Upcoming brand training session

Stay up to date with the University of Iowa brand in this upcoming virtual Brand 101 Training Session on Feb. 20 from 10-11:30 a.m. This overview training will help faculty and staff gain a better understanding of who we are, what makes us unique, and how to leverage our visual identity. Register via employee self-service in My Training.

Notes

In last week's newsletter, a news item acknowledging Dr. Waheed Awotoye's AAO award incorrectly stated that he is a first-year resident in orthodontics. Dr. Awotoye is a second-year resident. 

Events

January 31, Cocoa, Coffee, Tea, and Conversations, 8:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., W220A

                    Valentine's Day Cards for Veterans, 8:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., W220A

                    Origami event - 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., Make a crane with Dr. Saisho, No prior experience required, W220A

January 31, Advanced Local Anesthesia: What you need to know, 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

January 31, Dental Public Health Club hockey social event, 7:00 p.m., Coralville, Iowa, Xtream Arena, purchase tickets

February 11, AADOCR Research Day, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

February 14, Is This Cancer? 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

February 21, Chicago Midwinter Meeting Alumni Reception, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Madison Ballroom, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. RSVP here

February 25, Seminars in Dental Research: Russell Pesavento, hosted by Teresa Marshall, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

March 25, Seminars in Dental Research: Xianghong Luan, hosted by Hongli Sun, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

March 28, Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office, 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

April 8, Seminars in Dental Research: Hyuk Jae Edward Kwon, hosted by Jun Cao, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

April 22, Seminars in Dental Research: Jay Kumar, hosted by Steve Levy, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

April 29, Seminars in Dental Research: Clarissa Souza Gomes da Fontoura, hosted by Aline Petrin, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Notes and Resources 

Filling Station Menu

Hours: M-R: 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

The Hawkeye Smile banner image shows (L-R) Jeremiah Poppin (D3), Bryce Carroll (D3), Destiny Ho (D3), and Claudia Jun (D1) with Dean Stanford at one of the college's pregame social tailgates.