Dean's Message

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who worked to host a very successful AADOCR Research Day earlier this week. We had 78 oral and poster presentations and two great featured speakers in Dr. Aline Petrin and Dr. Karin Weber-Gasparoni. Of course, thank you to our keynote speaker, Dr. Marcelo Araujo, for making the trip to Iowa City and giving a compelling presentation. There is an incredible amount of work done to make this event successful and once again, your hard work has paid off. Congratulations! ~Clark Stanford

Updates for February 14 - February 20, 2025

Former operative dentistry faculty member Dr. Jim Fuller passes away

It is with a heavy heart to share the passing of Dr. Jim Fuller ('62 DDS, '72 MS), Professor Emeritus in the Department of Operative Dentistry. Dr. Fuller was a staple in the College of Dentistry for many years and had an impact on generations of dentists. The visitation for Dr. Fuller will be this Sunday, February 16, from 2-4 p.m. at Lensing Funeral Home (605 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City), with services Monday, February 17, at 11 a.m. held at Zion Lutheran Church (310 N Johnson St, Iowa City).

College of Dentistry to receive 2 national student research awards

The UI College of Dentistry was named the winner of two significant awards from the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) National Student Research Group (NSRG). Iowa was recognized for having the most student abstracts accepted for the 2025 AADOCR Annual Meeting and Exhibition and was awarded for having the greatest percentage of new AADOCR student members in 2024-25 relative to its dental school enrollment.

Student researchers recognized at Iowa Section of the AADOCR banquet

After a day of featured speakers, oral and poster presentations, a banquet was held at the Courtyard Marriott to recognize the incredible work dental students are doing in the area of research. In total, 35 awards were presented, celebrating the depth and bredth of research at the college.

Dare to Discover: Sam Allen

Sam Allen, a fourth-year dental student, is featured in this year's Dare to Discover campaign. Mentored by Dr. Jeff Banas, Allen analyzes new bacteria strains to identify candidate probiotics that are good for oral health. These new options for oral probiotics may help prevent or manage cavities, gum disease, and even oral squamous cell carcinoma, the most common oral cancer. 

Well-Being at Iowa: Sleep is the key to unlocking your superpower

Imagine having a superpower that makes you unstoppable, creative, and resilient in the face of any challenge. Sounds like something out of a superhero movie, right? But it’s not flying or x-ray vision—though those would be incredible. It’s sleep. 

Reminder: Chicago Alumni event is next Friday

Making the trip to the Chicago Dental Society's Midwinter Meeting? Join us in the Windy City on Feb. 21 for an alumni and friends reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel inside the Madison Ballroom from 6-9 p.m. Food and beverages will be provided. RSVP to let us know you're coming. 

Events

February 18, Iowa Dentistry Alumni Reception, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Salt River Tavern Embassy Suites Phoenix Downtown North, Phoenix, Arizona, RSVP to Kelly Garvin (kelly.garvin@foriowa.org)

February 21, Chicago Midwinter Meeting Alumni Reception, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Madison Ballroom, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. RSVP here

February 25, Seminars in Dental Research: Russell Pesavento, hosted by Teresa Marshall, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

March 24, National Signing Day:  UICOD 3^rd Floor, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

March 25, Seminars in Dental Research: Xianghong Luan, hosted by Hongli Sun, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

March 28, Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office, 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

April 8, Seminars in Dental Research: Hyuk Jae Edward Kwon, hosted by Jun Cao, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

April 22, Seminars in Dental Research: Jay Kumar, hosted by Steve Levy, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

April 29, Seminars in Dental Research: Clarissa Souza Gomes da Fontoura, hosted by Aline Petrin, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

May 8-10, IDA Annual Session IDEAS25: Des Moines.  Students may attend any sessions and join the President’s Dinner and Dueling Pianos Party for FREE!  Info here. Register here.

May 30, IASDA Talent Show, Coralville Center for Performing Arts, 7:00 p.m.

Notes and Resources 

Filling Station Menu

Hours: M-R: 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

The Hawkeye Smile banner image shows (L-R) Jeremiah Poppin (D3), Bryce Carroll (D3), Destiny Ho (D3), and Claudia Jun (D1) with Dean Stanford at one of the college's pregame social tailgates.