| | Dean's Message
For some of us, getting back to our normal routines after an enjoyable and well-deserved break can be more challenging than anticipated. As we transition back, it's important to remember that it's ok to take things one step at a time. Set realistic goals throughout the day, stay organized, prioritize, and find support if needed. Our college community is a remarkable collection of individuals from our students, faculty, and staff all the way to our alumni around the world. I'm looking forward to seeing what you all accomplish this semester. ~Clark Stanford | | | Updates for January 24-30, 2025 | | | | Awotoye receives Harry Sicher Research Award Congratulations to Dr. Waheed Awotoye, first-year resident in the Department of Orthodontics, who was named the winner of the Harry Sicher Research Award from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Awotoye’s research titled 'Novel Pathogenic Mutations Contributing to the Risk of Non-Syndromic Orofacial Clefts’ will be recognized at the AAO’s annual session April 24 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. | | | College of Dentistry to host food drive January is recognized as Food Insecurity Awareness Month. In response, we are organizing a food drive at the College of Dentistry for the remainder of January to support those in need within our community. We invite students, faculty, and staff to contribute non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the Iowa City Food Bank. Suggested donations include canned goods, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and other shelf-stable items.
Donation Drop-off Location: 1st-floor link, there will be a bucket where you can drop off food items.
Deadline: End of January - 1st week of February.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved further, please contact Calvin Foss and Satnam Aulakh on behalf of the IASDA Philanthropy Chair. | | | | Dr. Richard Downs, a 1975 graduate of the UI College of Dentistry, recently published a book titled Beautiful Faces: The Architects of Enhanced Attractiveness and Improved Human Breathing, which emphasizes dental sleep medicine, which Downs is an expert in. The book is a call to action for those seeking to improve health, appearance, and quality of life. | | | Vi Phan, a third-year dental student, is featured in this year’s Dare to Discover campaign. Mentored by Huojun Cao and Teresa Marshall, Phan’s research focuses on developing new treatment methods for bone regeneration and formation. This research has the potential to improve treatment options for fractures, bone loss, and tooth loss. | | | | Info corner: Short term visitors The UI College of Dentistry welcomes short term visitors in the building. Short term visitors are individuals spending time within the CoD for the primary purpose of gaining professional/career knowledge through working with faculty or professional staff members. Please refer to section 2.12 in the Clinic Operations Manual for more information on short term visitors. | | | Kudos to you! Becky I’s Google review: “If you’re like me, going to the dentist is usually not at the top of your fun things to do. However, I can not say enough GOOD things about Dr. Morgan and her staff. They were VERY KIND, RESPECTFUL, and PROFESSIONAL. When it came to the extraction and then later implant, they were gentle and explained everything. I will definitely send my family and friends to Dr. Morgan from now on. Thank you, Dr. Morgan and team, for your kindness!” | | | | Petrin AL, Machado-Paula LA, Hinkle A, Hovey L, Awotoye W, Chimenti M, Darbro B, Ribeiro-Bicudo LA, Dabdoub SM, Peter T, Breheny P, Murray JC, Van Otterloo E, Rengasamy Venugopalan S, Moreno-Uribe LM. Familial Oculoauriculovertebral Spectrum: A Genomic Investigation of Autosomal Dominant Inheritance. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2025 Jan 17:10556656241306202. doi: 10.1177/10556656241306202. PMID: 39819101.
The study investigates the genetic basis of Oculoauriculovertebral Spectrum (OAVS) in a three-generation family. The researchers identified rare missense mutations in the genes SIX1, PDGFRA, and KDR/VEGFR2 that are strongly associated with OAVS phenotypes such as macrostomia, preauricular tags, and ptosis. These findings suggest that these genes play a significant role in the development of OAVS and highlight the importance of understanding genotype-phenotype correlations for better diagnosis, family counseling, and prevention of this condition. The study emphasizes the complexity of OAVS etiology, involving multiple genetic factors. | | Events
January 28, Seminars in Dental Research: Dewey Lee, "“Riding the Digital Wave: From Facial Scan to AI", hosted by Aaron Cho, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
January 29, IDA Day on the Hill, 9:00 a.m., Iowa Statehouse, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa
January 31, Advanced Local Anesthesia: What you need to know, 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
January 31, Dental Public Health Club hockey social event, 7:00 p.m., Coralville, Iowa, Xtream Arena, purchase tickets
February 11, AADOCR Research Day, All Day
February 11, AADOCR Research Day Banquet, 5:30 p.m., Courtyard Iowa City, University Heights, The Heights Rooftop Ballroom, 901 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, RSVP
February 14, Is This Cancer? 8:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
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 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.
Notes and Resources
Filling Station Menu
Hours: M-R: 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
The Hawkeye Smile banner image shows student volunteers with Dean Stanford at one of the college's pregame social tailgates. | | | |
.png)
