Dean's Message

Can you believe we're nearing the end of the academic year already? We have already celebrated several accolades and accomplishments and I am looking forward to celebrating many more in the near future. Over the next couple months, we will have D4s ringing the cowbell, departmental awards, and dissertations and theses being completed. It's an exciting period of accomplishments and recognition, so with all the excitement surrounding the end of the academic year, take a moment to reflect on your year and what you have accomplished. Even though you may not be ringing the cowbell or earning an award, your work has had a profound impact on our college and I am proud of what you all have done. Cheers! ~Clark Stanford

Updates for April 12, 2024–April 18, 2024

Iowa Dentistry Contributes to Groundbreaking Research Aimed at Reducing Childhood Tooth Decay

Iowa Dentistry played a significant role in a major clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) that has yielded promising results in the fight against childhood tooth decay.

Anderson receives Staff Excellence Award

Cari Anderson, Director of Dental Counseling and Wellness Support Services, at the College of Dentistry and an Assistant Director of University Counseling Service, has received the Board of Regents Staff Excellence Award. Her tireless advocacy for reduction of mental health stigma and suicide prevention within the dental field have extended beyond the University and into the state of Iowa which makes her an obvious choice for this prestigious award. Congratulations Cari!

The DSB views the solar eclipse

Like much of the country, members of the UI College of Dentistry took time out of their day to step outside and view the solar eclipse on April 8. In Iowa, students, faculty, and staff were able to view a 91% total eclipse.

RSVP for the IDEAS24 President’s Dinner

All UI College of Dentistry students are invited to the Iowa Dental Association’s President’s Dinner, honoring outgoing IDA President Dr. James Larsen. The event takes places May 3 at the Hyatt Regency in Coralville from 6-8 p.m. Please RSVP by emailing info@iowadental.org by April 17. Afterwards, all dental students are invited to join the IDA for dueling pianos.

College of Dentistry Watercooler: Colin Goodfellow-Weber

Get to know Colin Goodfellow-Weber, a new IT Support Consultant in the college. Welcome!

Birthplace: Fort Dodge, IA

Family: 5 brothers and 1 Sister

Most interesting place ever visited: Bountiful Peak

Recent good book and why: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss; Gives insight on how the FBI has developed negotiation tactics and how you can apply similar concepts to your personal life.

Secret talent: I can Juggle

Favorite hobby/non-work activity: Playing Sports (Basketball, Sand Volleyball)

Pet peeve: Not putting away shopping carts

In another life, I might have had a career as: Geologist

Favorite Iowa City restaurant: Donnely's Pub

Favorite quote: "I didn't come this far to only come this far, so we've still got further to go" -Tom Brady

Collaborative and Innovative Research

Maharishi A, McLaren EA, White SN. Color- and strength-graded zirconia: Strength, light transmission, and composition. J Prosthet Dent. 2024 Mar 29:S0022-3913(24)00209-9. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2024.03.015. PMID: 38555268.

Dental restorations made of zirconia tend to either have a greater ytrria content, which results in an increased surface translucency and a better color, or a lower yttria content, which improves the strength of the restoration. A novel kind of zirconia restoration combines both of these approaches so that the top of the restoration (in the enamel zone) has a better color whereas the bottom of the restoration (in the dentin zone) has greater strength. This study compares a uniform type of color-graded zirconia dental restoration (with greater ytrria content throughout) with this novel type of zirconia restoration graded for both color and strength. In particular, the study measured and compared the biaxial flexural strength, percentage of light transmission, elemental content, and phase content of zones within and among both types of restorations.  The researchers found that the color-and-strength-graded zirconia had similar features in color in the enamel zone as the color-graded zirconia, but it was significantly stronger in the dentin zone than was the color-graded zirconia. The results suggest that the color-and-strength graded zirconia restorations may more optimally balance the appearance and strength of zirconia restorations. 

Events

April 15, Oral Science PhD Dissertation Defense: Abimbola Oladayo, “Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of the Outcomes of Whole Genome Sequencing on Caregivers of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate,” mentored by Azeez Butali, N212, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

April 16, Seminars in Dental Research: Xiaohua Liu, "Bio-inspired Materials for Dental and Craniofacial Tissue Regeneration," hosted by Hongli Sun, Galagan B, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

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 2, UI College of Dentistry Herky On Parade statue unveiling, TBD, Hyatt Regency Coralville, IA

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

May 3, IDEAS24 President's Dinner, Hyatt Regency Coralville, Oakdale Ballroom, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., RSVP via email.

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

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 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