Dean's Message

As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the achievements of our Black colleagues, graduates, and learners. We are inspired by the resilience and perseverance of many of our distinguished alumni and students who have overcome great challenges to reach their goals. We also appreciate the valuable work that several faculty members are doing to support the success and well-being of Black, indigenous, and other students of color, both present and future. However, we also recognize that these challenges should not exist in the first place, and that we have a responsibility to address them and create a more equitable and inclusive environment for everyone. ~Clark Stanford

Updates for February 23, 2024–February 29, 2024

Iowa Periodontist examines the function of PGRPs in periodontal disease

Sivaraman Prakasam, associate professor and head of the Department of Periodontics, is investigating a particular group of proteins that discriminates between good and bad bacteria in a person’s gingiva (gums) and mouth to modulate the body’s immune response. His research could lead to new tools that can prevent or treat periodontitis.

Squier to serve as Fulbright faculty mentor

College of Dentistry Professor Emeritus Dr. Christopher Squier was named a 2023-24 Fulbright Faculty Mentor. Squier joins five other UI faculty members as mentors of 15 UI students and alumni who will serve as representatives of the U.S. Department of State to teach, serve, learn, and research in 13 countries during the 2023-24 academic year.

New parking ramp proposed outside of Dental Science Building

The UI will ask the Iowa Board of Regents at its Feb. 28 meeting for permission to proceed with planning an additional parking ramp on the west half of the parking lots adjacent to the Dental Science Building. The new ramp will include 1,000 to 1,200 total spaces.

A third generation provides dental care in Fort Dodge

Amy Seehusen (’16 DDS) is the third generation of her family to attend the UI College of Dentistry and practice in Fort Dodge, Iowa, so it’s not unusual for patients to be treated by her father – or ever her grandfather. At Iowa she learned dentistry allowed her to live the lifestyle she wanted.

Kudos to you!

Rhonda K’s Review: “I started going to The University of Iowa College of Dentistry on the recommendation of a friend. It started out as a way to save a little money, as I am on S.S. The whole process runs very efficiently from check in to check out. The student dentists are very friendly and personable and I have found that dental appointments can be fun. So worth the 60 miles one way that I drive.”

Collaborative and Innovative Research

Desai JP, Young LB, McQuistan MR. Dental students' perceptions of standardized patient experiences using Zoom: Dyadic factors. J Dent Educ. 2024 Feb 16. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13496. PMID: 38362954.

The COVID-19 pandemic required a rapid transition to online education, including simulations. This study identified students' perceptions of communicating with standardized patients in a virtual setting. Overall, students were critical of Zoom's impact on dyadic factors with standardized patients despite acknowledging some positive aspects. In particular, technological problems were said to compromise both engagement and listening. Nevertheless, even when technology worked well, students were concerned that it reduced the number of cues that they received from the patient and complicated the process of sending cues (e.g., by requiring students to look away from a patient's face to make "eye contact" through a camera). These findings could provide a foundation for how to teach students to communicate effectively via teledentistry.

Events

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.

March 19, Seminars in Dental Research: Lakmali Silva, hosted by Sukirth Ganesan, Galagan B, 12:00–1:00 p.m.

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 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 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 dental students during the 71st Anniversary of the UI's Iowa Section of the AADOCR