Dean's Message

This week we welcomed a new cohort of residents to campus. I am very excited to have a new group of professional students join our community not only for what they will learn during their time here, but also for what we will learn from them - their perspectives, approaches, and techniques allows us to continuously iterate and adapt to best serve our students, and as a result, our patients. If you see a new face around the building, please say hello and welcome them to our wonderful community!  Cheers! ~Clark Stanford

Updates for June 28, 2024–August 1, 2024

Periodontics celebrates graduates

The Department of Periodontics celebrated the class of 2024: Drs. Ronak Bhagat and William Burns. The celebration began with Dr. Joseph Kan, visiting from Loma Linda University, giving a lecture to Perio, Pros, and Operative residents. The following day the department hosted a graduation luncheon attended by members of the UI Perio community at the Athletics Hall of Fame. Thank you to all who contributed to the resident’s training.   

Sam Allen receives Steve Vercande Pros Clerkship award

Third-year dental student Sam Allen was named a recipient of the Steve Vercande Prosthodontic Clerkship award earlier this week. Vercande was a beloved, longtime staff member in the Department of Prosthodontics and passed away in 2023.

Perio welcomes Dr. Priyanka Pitchumani

The Department of Periodontics is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Priyanka Pitchumani as Clinical Assistant Professor. Pitchumani completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from The Tamilnadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai, India. Pitchumani enrolled in the advanced education in periodontics program at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, where she completed the Masters of Science degree in periodontology, while being the Chief resident of the program during her final year. She was also a graduate teaching assistant for a past three years where she taught pre-doctoral students clinical periodontology. Pitchumani has also published several articles in peer-reviewed journals. She will start July 1.

Stanford, Barwarcz present at Dentsply Sirona Implant Solutions World Summit

Earlier this month, Dean Clark Stanford and head of Family Dentistry Chris Barwacz presented at the Dentsply Sirona Implant Solutions World Summit in Miami, Florida. Stanford addressed the topic of AI in implant dentistry while Barwacz was the opening speaker as part of the session titled Top Destinations in Implant Dentistry.

Jessie Gomez demystifies dentistry

First-year dental student Jessie Gomez's (@chasingdrgomez) Instagram account shares her experiences as a first-generation dental student at Iowa. What started as a project as an undergraduate at Marquette has transformed into an avenue to inspire and mentor other first-gen student to pursue their dreams.

Purchase apparel with your department's name on it

The University of Iowa brand store is available for all UI College of Dentistry faculty and staff. Purchase single items or in bulk with your department's name on it. Please note some items are only available in bulk. For unit orders, the preferred payment method is departmental P-Card.

Collaborative and Innovative Research

Marshall T. Oral health and multimorbidity: is diet the chicken or the egg? Cambridge University Press, May 2024 https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665124004683

Oral health, more than just being disease-free, is vital for overall well-being. It’s linked to diet and nutrition, affecting both oral and systemic diseases. Poor diets, high in sugars and low in fruits and vegetables, can lead to chronic oral diseases, impairing functions like biting and swallowing. Early childhood caries, a result of high sugar intake, signals the risk of diet-related chronic diseases. Recognizing this early can help prevent multiple diseases and improve life quality.

Events

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 6, Chew on This: Emerging Trends in Pediatric Dental Care CE course, 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

September 7, Pregame Social Tailgate, Iowa vs Iowa State, Behind the DSB, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. RSVP here

September 13, Prospective DDS Student Interview Day

September 13-14, Dentistry Alumni Reunion Weekend (years ending in 4s and 9s)

September 14, Pregame Social Tailgate, Iowa vs Troy, Behind the DSB, 12:00 p.m. - 3 p.m.

RSVP here

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 26, Pregame Social Tailgate, Iowa vs Northwestern, Behind the DSB, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. RSVP here

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.–2:00 p.m. 

The Hawkeye Smile banner image shows dental students posing for a photo at the UI College of Dentistry's 2024 Commencement Ceremony inside Hancher Auditorium.