Dean's Message

The end of our first week of the 2023-24 academic year is here. I have enjoyed seeing the DSB return to form with faculty, staff, students, and patients navigating the hallways. It won’t be long until we welcome back our alumni with continuing education events and, of course, our Alumni Reunion weekend in September, which is a special weekend I look forward to each year. I encourage all of you to stay connected with old friends and colleagues while we celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni honorees. We’d love to see you at our Alumni Reunion Weekend Sept. 15-16, or one of our CE courses. Cheers! ~Clark Stanford 

Updates for August 25, 2023–August 31, 2023

NIH awards supplemental grant to dental faculty member

Azeez Butali is extending his research on the genetics of orofacial clefts in African populations so that his team improve the reception and acceptance of genetic information found in their studies.

Research grant awarded to orthodontics faculty extending research on the epigenetic causes of orofacial clefting

Aline Petrin’s research on identical twins has shed led on the epigenetic causes of orofacial clefting. Her new study explores the epigenetic causes of mirrored clefting among twins.

2023 White Coat Ceremony

On August 18, our first-year dental students, the new class of 2027, and our new Advanced Standing Program students participated in their White Coat Ceremony. Iowa Dentistry is one of the few dental colleges in the country that grants students clinical privileges during the first year of a student's dental education. The white coat symbolizes the beginning of a dental student’s career as a health care professional. As a college, we are proud of what our students and look forward to the great things that you will accomplish for our profession!

D1 Orientation Week!

Iowa prides itself on building a vibrant and committed community. The spirit of collaboration and cooperation are a centerpiece of what makes the Hawkeye community special. Dentistry alumni, residents, and students regularly identify the warmness and comradery as part of what set their dental educational experience apart.

The D1 Orientation is designed for students to learn university and collegiate policies and procedures and began the transition to pursuing an education in a profession. But it is also designed to help students form friendships that will last a life time, and orientation is the first step in forging those relationships. From speed-networking with all D1 students to performing group feats—completing the university challenge course, completing photo scavenger hunts, and so forth—students learn about each other and the unique persons that make up our excellent first-year class. Additional photos are on the Iowa Dentistry website.

First iACP Conference held at Iowa

On August 15, the Department of Prosthodontics successfully inaugurated the iACP (Iowa Annual Conference for Prosthodontics) meeting at the Kirkwood Regional Center in Coralville. During this meeting, each course director presented their current course content and other faculty members provided input. With the ever-changing world of digital dentistry, faculty focused on innovations for the future of prosthodontic education to ensure our students are prepared for their careers after graduation.  This event served as a platform to explore innovative approaches and strategies to enhance the learning experience and keep pace with the ever-evolving field of prosthodontics.

IDA Scholarship Profile: Sarmad Saadi

"Receiving the Iowa Dental Foundation Scholarship as an upcoming D4 student at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is an incredible honor and opportunity. This scholarship represents recognition of my dedication, hard work, and commitment to the field of dentistry. It serves as a testament to my academic achievements, clinical skills, and potential to make a positive impact in the dental profession and the community as a whole.

The Iowa Dental Foundation Scholarship not only provides financial support but also signifies the trust and confidence placed in me by the dental community. This prestigious award encourages me to strive for excellence in my studies, clinical experiences, and patient care. It serves as a motivating force to continue my pursuit of knowledge and skill development, ensuring that I become a competent and compassionate dentist.

Moreover, this scholarship carries with it the responsibility to uphold the values and principles of the dental profession. It inspires me to contribute to the betterment of oral health and to serve the underserved populations with dedication and empathy. By receiving this scholarship, I am reminded of the importance of giving back and becoming an active participant in dental outreach programs and community service initiatives.

I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and will continue to work diligently to fulfill the expectations associated with this scholarship, making a lasting impact on the dental field and the lives of those I serve." ~Sarmad Saadi

IMOM helps others!

Testimonial from Alberto Gasparoni, director of patient admissions and clinical associate professor in clinic administration, on why he volunteers year after year at IMOM:

"To work with so many people, all dedicated to help others."

Why Iowa: Clinical experience Early patient experiences, including for first-year dental students, and Iowa's combined clerkship and comprehensive care approach to dental education helps Iowa rank among the top schools in amount of clinical experiences.