Dean's Message

Over the last several weeks, we have had a parade of events highlighting our college's contributions and participation in organized dentistry. Organized dentistry—whether its our flagship professional organizations like the ADA, ADEA, or AADOCR or our state chapters or specialty organizations like the IDA or the Academy of Osseointegration—makes a profound difference in forging connections between clinicians, industry, and researchers while also supporting the growth and development of our profession as a whole. Thank you to those who generously give of yourselves to support this vital work! For our students, please take the opportunity to find out where you can participate in organized dentistry. It is rewarding professionally and it's an opportunity to give back to our profession. Cheers! ~Clark Stanford

Updates for March 24, 2022–March 30, 2022

Azeez Butali receives Leadership in Research Award

Azeez Butali, professor of oral pathology, radiology, and medicine in the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research at the College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, received the Leadership in Research Award from the University of Iowa. As the world's leading expert in orofacial clefts among African populations, this is a lifetime achievement award recognizes Butali's research and scholarly accomplishments over a career.

Industry-University partnership to evaluate healing of apical periodontitis

Fabricio Teixeira is working with the company SONENDO to clinically evaluate their GentleWave system, a new technology using a vortex of procedure fluids and acoustic energy throughout the root canal system.

Iowa takes the AADOCR by storm

The annual meetings of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) were held consecutively over Spring Break in Portland, Oregon. Iowa was well represented at both meetings with 4 presentations at ADEA and 39 oral presentations at the AADOCR. Dental students Colton Curtis and Cyrus Mansouri received awards for their presentations, and Azeez Butali received an award for mentorship for his work with Mary Young. Images from the week in available on the College of Dentistry website.

Iowa Dentists and Dental Students Discuss Issues with Congressional Delegation

Just before Spring Break, Iowa dentists and University of Iowa dental students were in Washington D.C. for the ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day. Alumni John Arend ('82 DDS and IDA president), Michael Franzman ('04 DDS, '07 MS), Sara Stuefen ('10 DDS) and Iowa Dentistry students: IASDA President Morgan Scholtes (D4), Carter Coppinger (D2), Zachary Graham (D2), Alex Hsieh (D4), Mallory Obenauf (D2), and Morgan Swanger (D1) along with other IDA representatives participated in the event.

This joint effort by the ADA and the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) is the nation’s major federal advocacy event for the dental profession. More than 700 dentists, dental students, state association staff, and dental leaders gathered in the nation's capital to advocate for dental insurance reform, student loan debt reform, and dental Medicaid.

As part of these efforts, Iowa’s dentists and dental students met with Senators Joni Ernst and Charles Grassley and Representatives Randy Feenstra, Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Zach Nunn, and their staff. Additional photos are on IDA's website.

National Signing Day!

On Monday, 53 Iowa Dentistry D4 students took part in National Signing Day (NSD), to announce their post-graduation plans. Fifty-eight percent of those who completed the NSD form are staying in Iowa to practice or attend graduate school. 

University District Dental Society Trustee Sara Stuefen ('10 DDS), IDA Executive Director Laurie Traetow, and IDA Assistant Director Kara Bylund were on hand to answer questions and distribute The Chairside Instructor from the ADA to students. Visit the IDA Facebook page to view photos from the day. 

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 on having 75 percent of their class complete the NSD form. If 18 of the 22 remaining classmates complete the form, the class will receive $1,000. Any current UI COD D4 students with questions regarding the NSD form or about transitioning their ASDA membership to the ADA are encouraged to contact the IDA staff at 515.331.2298 or via text at 515.249.7361.

Stanford becomes Diplomate of the Academy of Osseointegration

Dean Stanford presented two talks at the Academy of Osseointegration (AO) Meeting in Phoenix on March 18, 2023.  He is the past-president of the AO (2020-2021) and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants (IJOMI).  His presentations included preparation of a paper for publication and a keynote talk on the future of digital dentistry as it relates to implantology.  He was also awarded, at this meeting, the highest honor the Academy can provide as he became one of the few “Diplomates,” by written and oral examination, of the Academy of Osseointegration. 

Marshall plays key role in ADA CE Course on Nutrition and Oral Health

In honor of National Nutrition Month and World Oral Health Day on March 20, Teresa Marshall, professor in preventive and community dentistry, represented Iowa with her expertise as a dietitian for the ADA Oral Health and Nutrition CE Course. This course was intended to increase awareness and a deeper understanding of the connection between nutrition and its impact on oral health. Attendees heard from an exceptional array of speakers, including the American Dental Association President, the World Dental Federation (FDI) President-Elect, and a unique panel discussion addressing nutrition and oral health from the perspective of a dietician (Marshall), dentist, and endocrinologist.

One Day for Iowa!

Wednesday, March 29, 2023, is One Day for Iowa, the University of Iowa's 24-hour online giving day. Last year, more than 3,000 Hawkeyes gave back in support of the University of Iowa — making an important impact. Join your fellow Hawkeye community and make a difference this year! (You can already donate if you'd like!)

IDA Scholarship Deadline March 31

The Iowa Dental Foundation (IDF) is currently accepting scholarship applications. All dental (D3s), dental hygiene, dental assistant, and dental lab technician students are encouraged to apply. Dental students may receive up to $5,000 and all other dental professional students up to $750. The total number of scholarships awarded and amounts vary each year. For more information or to see past awardees, visit the IDF webpage.

Completed applications must be submitted by March 31.

History of Organized Dentistry in the US

The American Dental Association (ADA) was founded August 3, 1859, at Niagara Falls, New York, by twenty-six dentists who represented various dental societies in the United States. Today, the ADA has more than 152,000 members, 55 constituent (state-territorial) and 545 component (local) dental societies. Learn more about the history of the ADA on the ADA website.

Events

March 9, All College Potluck hosted by the International Affairs and Planning Committee, W220A/B, 11:30 am–1:30 pm.  Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share. 

March 10, Live Distance Course: Digital Smile Planning: Veneer preps, computer design, and material’s indication, Thiago Porto, 8:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

March 21,  "Through my Eyes.” Watch this Iowa City documentary that partners individuals with and without disabilities together and then meet the producer.  Galagan A, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

March 28, Noon Seminar: Paule Joseph, NIAAA/NIH, "Investigating the Chemical Senses (Taste, Smell, and Chemesthesis): Clinical Applications," hosted by Sukirth Ganesan, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

March 28, “Exploring the World:  Iran.”  Dr. Melika Farshad and Behi Bolboli.  Galagan A, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

March 28, Thesis Defense: Amit Unnadkat, N212, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

March 30, Thesis Defense: Derrick Bisnett, S384, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

April 4, Thesis Defense: Ala Al Saffer, N212, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

April 4, Thesis Defense: Veronica Sule, N212, 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

April 11, Noon Seminar: Hong Li, University of Colorado, AMC, “Understanding Orofacial Clefting at Single Cell Resolution,” hosted by Eric Van Otterloo, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

April 13, Thesis Defense: Mustafa Tattan, W333 , 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

April 13, Thesis Defense: Maria Rosas Diaz, S422, 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.  

April 14, Live Distance Course: Thinking Game for Maxillary Full Arch Implant Restorations, Aaron Cho, 8:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

April 18, Noon Seminar: Erin Bumann, University of Missouri, KC, “Adverse Childhood Experiences Impact Tooth Emergence & Development,” hosted by Aline Petrin, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

April 25, Noon Seminar: Luiz Meirelles, Ohio State University, “Precision Dental Medicine for Improved Periodontal Diagnostics Using Intra-Oral Scans,” hosted by Thiago Soares Porto, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

May 2, Noon Seminar: Peter Mossey, University of Dundee, Title TBD, hosted by Azeez Butali, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

May 5, Dental Alumni Reception in conjunction with IDA Annual Meeting, Cedar Rapids, IA, 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

May 5, Learn about Noma (a bacterial infection that rapidly destroys the soft and hard tissues of the face and mouth) by Mr. Fidel Strub—a Noma survivor, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

June 1, Culturally Responsive Health Care Conference, College of Public Health, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 pm.  Co-sponsored by the College of Dentistry. 

September 15-16, Dentistry Alumni Reunion Weekend

Notes and Resources 

Lend a helping hand. Due to medical issues, Holly Bolt has exhausted her sick leave and vacation. If you would like to help Holly by contributing vacation time, please go to the following website: CAT Leave, and click on “Catastrophic Leave Donation Form.”

Filling Station Menu

M-R: 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; F: 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

The banner Hawkeye Smile image shows Melika Farshad, an associate in clinic administration and patient care, with Herky.