Dean's Message

Monday, April 1 marked my two-year anniversary as dean of the UI College of Dentistry and it's been a wonderful two years of reconnecting with old friends and colleagues, providing excellent patient care, and developing a new vision for the future of the college through the Together Hawkeyes Campaign. Over my 730+ days back in Iowa City, I have seen two classes graduate and move onto bigger and better things, while welcoming two new classes of aspiring dentists. I have traveled all around the country to visit our alumni where we exchange stories and share our favorite parts of our wonderful profession. I have also had the opportunity to help grow and expand our research enterprise, and I hope to have more news to share later this year. The college is positioning itself very well to remain a leading dental school well into the future, so I am excited to see where the next two years take us. ~Clark Stanford

Updates for April 5, 2024–April 11, 2024

Ann Lawler recognized as 2024 recipient of significant UI Staff award

On April 3, Ann Lawler, the research support manager and lead grant administrator for the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, received the 2024 Susan C. Buckley Distinguished Achievement Award. ​Ann's deep institutional knowledge of the college and the university has significantly improved the efficiency and success of dentistry's grant administration team and it's entire research enterprise. The grant administration team submits about $55 million in grant proposals annually. Since 2020, Iowa Dentistry’s research funding has doubled, nearing $10 million per year. Associate Dean for Research Jin Xie said of Ann's team, "The grant administration team is superb, and our research successes are due in no small part to their on-going efforts to support our faculty and researchers."

College of Dentistry in Des Moines

The UI College of Dentistry participated in the annual Hawkeye Caucus April 3 at the state capitol in Des Moines. Members of the college were able to share updates and information about how the college is serving the state, creating groundbreaking research, and training the next generation of dentists.

Snack station helps celebrate our graduate and professional students

Yesterday, the Office of Academic and Student Affairs held a snack station in the Dental Science Building to celebrate our dental, graduate, and professional students during Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week. Students were able to refuel and stay refreshed with healthy snacks and treats as a way to celebrate their meaningful contributions over the past year.

OVPR awards Min Zhu a 2024 Distinguished Research Professional Award

Min Zhu, research specialist in the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research (IIOHR) within the College of Dentistry, received the Distinguished Research Professional Award. The award recognizes staff members who performed exceptional service in support of research at the UI by conducting experiments, collecting, and analyzing results and performing operational duties associated with a laboratory or research program. 

Zhu has worked as a lab bench scientist in the College of Dentistry since 2006, executing experimental work for grants and other research, working closely with IIOHR faculty members, overseeing lab maintenance and environmental health and safety efforts. 

“Beyond her research skills, Dr. Zhu has been an exceptional mentor and educator for my students and other junior researchers,” said Liu Hong, professor of prosthodontics. “Her kindness and willingness to share her knowledge have made her a beloved figure among them.”

3 College of Dentistry alumni receive loan repayment awards from FIND project

Congratulations to UI College of Dentistry grads Zach Johnson ('23 DDS), Maxwell Loew ('22 DDS), and Chet Meneely ('19 DDS) on being selected as recipients of the educational loan repayment awards from the Fulfilling Iowa's Need for Dentists (FIND).

College of Dentistry Watercooler: Tony Wilson, support services coordinator

My name is Tony Wilson. I’m originally from the small-town of Quincy, IL but migrated here around 1996 for college and began working at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. I currently live in Williamsburg. I’ve never been married and do not have any children, so it’s just me and my dog Snoop. I worked at the U for a little over 18 years and most recently left the Emergency Department after approximately 8 years. In my free time, I enjoy golfing or any sport that doesn’t involve running. I’m excited for my new start here and looking forward to learning and growing with the College of Dentistry.

Collaborative and Innovative Research

Remy MT, Upara C, Ding QJ, Miszuk JM, Sun H, Hong L. MicroRNA-200c Release from Gelatin-Coated 3D-Printed PCL Scaffolds Enhances Bone Regeneration. ACS Biomater Sci Eng. 2024 Mar 26. doi: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01105. PMID: 38531043.

This research study explored the use of synthetic bone grafts using gelatin-coated 3D-printed polycaprolactone scaffolds to deliver miR-200c. The team was able to optimize the delivery system and amount of miR-200c by changing the gelatin type, concentrations, and crosslinking to optimize bone generation. As a result, the scaffold was able to effectively manage the release of miR-200c, which in turn, promotes better bone regeneration. The method used lays the foundation for a larger program of gelatin-based systems to deliver drugs and small molecules for gene therapy. 

Events

April 9, Seminars in Dental Research: Ping Zhang, "Periodontitis: from local destruction to brain dysfunction," hosted by Huojun Cao, Galagan B, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

April 9, "Patient aggression toward the dental team," Galagan A, 12:00-1:00 p.m.

April 11, All College Potluck hosted by International Affairs and Planning Committee, W220A, 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

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

April 11, Master's Thesis Defense: William Burns, “Decoding Oral Impact: Tobacco and Nicotine Effects on the Microbiome-Immune-Metabolome Axis,” mentored by Sukirth Ganesan, S483 and via Zoom, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

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

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 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 (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