College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics

Dean's Message

As we celebrate Independence Day this coming week, it is important to appreciate the freedoms that we currently enjoy and the reason we have those freedoms. Yet we also must recognize the importance of making the United States and our world a better place. The university will be closed on July 4th. Have a happy Fourth of July and please enjoy a safe and happy holiday with your family, friends, and community. Cheers! ~Clark Stanford

Fireworks over Old Cap

Updates for June 30, 2023–June 20, 2023

Iowa Dentistry researchers receive NIH grant to investigate genetic causes of tooth development

Huojun Cao and Eric Van Otterloo are investigating the genetic underpinnings of tooth development. The long-term goal of their work is to better understand tooth development so that new regenerative treatments for teeth can be developed.

Emmanuel Aladenika, Abimbola Oladayo, and Mojisola Olujitan

2023 IADR

The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) held its annual meeting June 21-24 in Bogotá, Colombia. Several faculty, students, and alumni attended the meeting, presented their research, and represented the University of Iowa well.

Chase Bruner with Mary Ann Vercande, Clark Stanford, and Aaron Cho.

Bruner receives inaugural Steven Vercande, CDT, Prosthodontic Clerkship Award

Steve Vercande was a longtime, beloved staff member in the Department of Prosthodontics who died suddenly earlier this year. His absence has been felt by so many, and his family and the Department of Prosthodontics are pleased to announce that third-year dental student Chase Bruner is the recipient of the first Steven Vercande, CDT, Prosthodontic Clerkship Award. This award is presented to a third-year dental student who has shown exemplary clinical skills and patient empathy and caring. Steve's mother, Mary Ann, and his sister, Kim, attended the award presentation.

Lawler receives travel award for research professionals

The National Council of Research Administrators is the premier organization for professionals involved in supporting research. Ann Lawler, Department Administrative Manager for the Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, received a travel award from the organization to attend their national conference. Lawler was one of two applicants selected for the award in 2023. The picture shows Ann Lawler, third from the right, with the rest of her Iowa Institute of Oral Health Research team.

The Impact of IMOM

Testimonial from Carrie McKnight, clinical associate professor in the Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine and the group IMOM leader for Iowa Dentistry's IMOM participation:

"IMOM has not only been a terrific experience for me as a provider, but the experience that the dental students get makes it one of my favorite days of the year. Watching all of our students help out in so many ways is just amazing! I spoke with one of the general volunteers, and after her husband had received care on the Friday, she was so inspired by the event that she stayed in Des Moines an extra day so that she could volunteer at the event. My own teenage daughter helped out in the child care area this past year and had a blast. Even though the event is about dental care, I really feel that it is so much more."

Sign up as a volunteer today. Everyone has a part to play!

Iowa Dentistry welcomes AnDee Atkins

AnDee Atkins is a new student employee. She just finished her first year at the University of Iowa, and she is on the predental track, majoring in human physiology and minoring in psychology. She hopes to eventually attend dental school at Iowa Dentistry after she graduates. She grew up and went to high school in West Branch, a small town about 15-20 minutes east of Iowa City. She enjoys being able to come to the Dental Science Building every day and learn new things. She also loves being outdoors and spending time with her friends and family. Her favorite color is blue, and she loves sandwiches and meeting new people.

Kudos to you!

Sarah Meyer's review: "Every person that helped me on any tooth work I needed was amazing! I just had a root canal completed yesterday and had NO ISSUES! It went perfect! They are all great over there!"

Kinnick Stadium with U.S.A. flag colors in the stands

Hawkeye history: celebrating veterans in 2011

On November 5, 2011 while celebrating Veterans Day, the University of Iowa placed giant paper cards on seats in Kinnick Stadium that if held up together made up the picture shown above. It is one example of Iowa honoring the United States.