Dean's Message

This week the Iowa dental community comes together for the annual Iowa Dental Association meeting in Coralville, Iowa. For all of us in the DSB, this annual event is a great opportunity to network, learn, and celebrate all aspects of dentistry. As the only dental college in the state, the IDA meeting means seeing a large contingent of Hawkeyes and I’m excited to see former classmates, students, and friends! If you are attending this week’s meeting, I’d like you to keep in mind the important role our alumni play in improving oral health care in Iowa. Hawkeyes are the backbone of the dental profession in Iowa, and I could not be prouder of the work our dental professionals do every day. I hope to see you in Coralville! ~Clark Stanford

Updates for May 3, 2024–May 9, 2024

ADA President Dr. Edgars visits the DSB

Dr. Linda J. Edgars, president of the American Dental Association, and Carolyn Larsen, a 1986 UI College of Dentistry graduate, visited the College of Dentistry on Wednesday. Dean Stanford led them on a tour of the building where they had the opportunity view the clinics and meet current students.

Syrbu publishes ‘The ABC’s of Dentistry’

It's never too early for a head start in dentistry! John Syrbu, Assistant Professor of Family Dentistry, is raising money for the college's Patient Assistance Fund through sales of his new book, "The ABC's of Dentistry." This colorful alphabet book will be available for $20 (faculty/staff) or $15 (student/resident) via cash or Venmo on Wednesday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 14, in the first-floor link.

College of Dentistry unveils Herky Smiles at IDEAS24

The College of Dentistry unveiled “Herky Smiles” on May 2 during the first day of the annual Iowa Dental Association meeting in Coralville, Iowa. A crowd of Iowa Dental Association board members and attendees gathered as Herky Smiles was unveiled to the world to kick off IDEAS24.

Periodontics faculty member receives new grant

Juhi Uttamani received a $67,000 grant to investigate immune dysfunction among COVID-19 patients. Uttamani is working with colleagues at the University of Illinois in Chicago under a National Institutes of Health grant.

Alumni: Join us tonight at the Iowa Athletic Club

Join Dean Stanford and College of Dentistry alumni this afternoon at the Iowa Athletic Club from 4-6 p.m. for an alumni reception in conjunction with IDEAS24. Food will be provided.

College of Dentistry to host UI DeGowin Blood Drive

The College of Dentistry will host the University of Iowa DeGowin Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 22, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in W220 A & B. Consider contributing to a collective effort of compassion and support for others. Remember to bring a photo ID, drink plenty of fluids, and be free of cold or flu symptoms for five days. Donations take up to an hour.

Collaborative and Innovative Research

Iribarren S, Leary KS, Lesch A, Warren J, Peter T, McLaren SW, Reynolds JC. Synchronous Teledentistry in a University Pediatric Dentistry Clinic: Impact on Treatment Completion and Visit Attendance. Pediatr Dent. 2024 Mar 15;46(2):128-134. PMID: 38664907.

This study investigated whether patients were more or less likely to complete treatments or attend their visits when the patient had a new synchronous teledentistry visit. The study compared patients who were referred to the University of Iowa pediatric dentistry clinic—12.5% of those patients were first seen via a teledentistry appointment and 87.5% were first seen in person. The research team found that there were no significant differences between the two groups of patients in terms of completing their prescribed treatment or attending a second visit. That is to say, the children seen first via a teledentistry appointment had comparable degrees of treatment completion and attended their second visit at about the same rate as children first seen in person. This suggests that both groups had comparable access to care.

Kudos to you!

Ashley M’s review: “They got me in right away to the urgent care clinic and my problem teeth were pulled at the first appointment. The dental students I worked with were all great! Very understanding and reassuring, and they all treated me with respect! I look forward to going back to continue my dental care with them! Thank you so much for helping me!!!”

Events

May 3, Dental Alumni Reception in conjunction with the IDA Annual Meeting, Hyatt Regency Coralville, IA. 4-6 p.m. Iowa Athletic Club Restaurant

May 3, IDEAS24 President's Dinner, Hyatt Regency Coralville, Oakdale Ballroom, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., (RSVPs closed)

May 3, IDEAS24 Dueling Pianos, Free; all students welcome, Hyatt Regency Coralville, Oakdale Ballroom, 8:00 p.m.

May 15, Oral Science Celebration, 4:30-6:00 p.m. in W220A/B

May 17, IASDA Talent Show at the Coralville Center for Performing Arts emceed by Dr. Michael Kanellis and Dr. Karen Baker. $5 admission, 7:30 p.m. Email Amam Nasir to sign up for a performance slot.

May 23, LGBTQ 101 and Dental Care Best Practices, 12-1 p.m., Galagan B

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.–3:00 p.m.

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