Dean's Message

The 71st Anniversary of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry's Iowa Section of the AADOCR will be held next Tuesday, February 13. Creating breakthroughs and keeping up with scientific advancements is crucial to the health and longevity of dentistry and we are no stranger to either. We are a leader in dental, oral, and craniofacial research and our work has been improving the profession ever since our inception. Tuesday is an incredible opportunity for us to showcase rich diversity in research and how it impacts our college, the university, and profession. Whether you are presenting for the first time or are an established scholar, I am eagerly anticipating seeing your hard work on display. I want to thank our presenters, the planning committee, and the numerous faculty and staff members who are putting in the work to have a successful day. I hope to see you there on Tuesday! ~Clark Stanford

Updates for February 9, 2024–February 15, 2024

Leary, Cho named ADEA Leadership Institute Fellows

Congratulations to faculty members Kecia Leary and Aaron Cho who were named 2024-25 American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Leadership Institute Fellows. They join a group comprised of the nation’s most promising dental educators. The ADEA Leadership Institute is a year-long program design to develop individuals to become future leaders in dental and higher education.

Lead aprons, thyroid collars no longer recommended during dental x-rays

In a study published by the American Dental Association (ADA), Trishul Allareddy, head of the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, & Medicine, played a prominent role in shifting recommendations for patients undergoing dental x-rays. According to an expert panel established by the ADA in which Allareddy was included, the use of lead abdominal aprons or thyroid collars on patients when conducting dental x-rays is no longer recommended. Additionally, dentists should take into consideration the diagnostic information needed from X-rays to benefit patient care or substantially improve clinical outcomes.

Dare to Discover features Samantha Wuebker

Samantha Wuebker, a PhD student in biomedical science, is featured in this year’s Dare to Discover Campaign. Mentored by Eric Van Otterloo, Wuebker’s research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, MEMO1, aids in mineralization of the bones and teeth. More specifically, she is interested in how our cells communicate with the environment to deposit minerals and other essential molecules to form bone and tooth enamel.

Preventive Oral Health Care for Toddlers and Infants

Karin Weber-Gasparoni is passionate about supporting new caregivers and improving oral health for underserved populations. Her collaborative clinical research initiatives are transforming oral health care for toddlers and infants. 

College of Dentistry leads Green Bandana and Suicide Prevention Training

Last week, Director of Dental Counseling and Wellness Cari Anderson facilitated Green Bandana Training Suicide Prevention Training. Alongside dental students Madeline Slater, Claire Kettle, and Olivia Bartholomew, Anderson led a group of individuals to become proficient in understanding mental health challenges and have the resources to assist others with suicide prevention. The college’s Green Bandana Suicide Prevention Training utilizes the #BeThe1To curriculum modules and is funded in full by the Dr. Jen Wolfe Memorial Fund endowed to the University of Iowa Department of Pediatric Dentistry. 

Office of Student Affairs and Office of Education merge

The Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Education have merged to become the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. The office will remain in the same location at N311.

Show your love for veterans with Valentines for Veterans

IASDA is teaming up with Tau Sigma to make Valentine’s Cards for veterans in local nursing homes. This is a great way to take a creative lunch break and bring love to veterans in our community. The event takes place Monday, Feb. 12 at 12 p.m. in W220. Materials and Valentines Day desserts will be provided.

Alumni: Join us in Chicago!

The UI College of Dentistry is hosting an alumni reception in Chicago on Feb. 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in conjunction with the Chicago Dental Society’s annual Midwinter Meeting. Join Dean Stanford at The Blackstone, Autograph Collection for apps and beverages and have a chance to catch up with classmates and fellow alumni. RSVP to let us know you’re coming.

Events

February 13, 71st Annual Meeting of the Iowa Section of the AADOCR

February 23, UI College of Dentistry Alumni Reception in Chicago, Illinois, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Blackstone. In conjunction with the Chicago Midwinter Meeting. 
RSVP HERE.

March 8, Live Distance Course: Beyond Bonding: Resin Cement in Modern Dentistry with Dr. Nikkita Madhu; From Hues to Hardness: Understanding Color and Mechanical Properties in Dental Materials with Dr. Franciele Floriani.

April 9, Seminars in Dental Research: Ping Zhang, "Periodontitis: from local destruction to brain dysfunction," hosted by Huojun Cao, Galagan B, 12-1 p.m.

April 11, University District Dental Society Social, Field Day Brewery, 6-8 p.m.

April 12, Live Distance Course: An update on Posterior Restorations with Dr. Hiromi Saisho.

April 25, Seminars in Dental Research: Ronald Stauss, "Blessings in Disguise: Finding Wisdom from Facial Difference," hosted by Steve Levy, Galagan B, 12-1 p.m.

May 2, IDEAS24 Welcome Happy Hour for Dental Students, 4:30 - 6 p.m., Iowa Athletic Club Restaurant

May 3, Dental Alumni Reception in conjunction with the IDA Annual Meeting, Hyatt Regency Coralville, IA. 4-6 p.m. Location TBD

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

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 13, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

September 13-14, Dentistry Alumni Reunion Weekend

September 19, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

September 30, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

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 family caregiving needs, Alanna Keating has exhausted her sick leave and vacation. If you would like to help Alanna 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 two first-year dental students, Ann Luo and Katie McAllister, at the Dental Public Health booth of the Bone Dash 5K.