Dean's Message

It seems warmer weather may be here to stay in Iowa City. I am excited to see spring approaching as we near the final quarter of the academic year. With longer and sunnier days, be sure to take time to rejuvenate after the winter and make efforts to balance your academic, professional, and personal pursuits as we all catch a bit of spring fever. ~Clark Stanford

Updates for February 28 - March 6, 2025

IASDA to host Green Bandana training

The Iowa American Student Dental Association, is holding a Green Bandana training session to promote awareness of mental health issues within the community. This year the training will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, March 1, in W220 at the Dental Science Building. The session is limited to the first 20 people to register and as of Thursday evening, there are still open spots. Registration closes today at 12 p.m.

Support veterans dental care through this pasta and soup fundraiser

Tau Sigma is raising money for the Dr. Jo Rummelhart Veteran’s Appreciation Fund by hosting a fundraiser through Pasta of the Prairie. The fundraiser is selling meal kits that contain made-from-scratch pasta as well as soups and pasta salad kits. Orders will be collected until March 14. After selecting your order, select the ‘Tau Sigma Fundraiser’ during checkout to ensure the proceeds go toward the fund.

Thank you, Chicago!

Thank you to our College of Dentistry alumni who joined us at the Chicago Athletic Association last Friday during the Chicago Dental Society's Midwinter meeting. We had a great turnout in a new location. We're looking forward to next year's event!

IMOM 2025 will be in Coralville, Iowa

For its 16th year, and for the first time, the Iowa Mission of Mercy (IMOM) is headed to Coralville, Iowa. The annual free dental clinic will be held Sept. 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency Coralville. At IMOM 2024 in Sioux City, Iowa, the event saw more than 840 patients and provided $779,000 in free dental services. Volunteer registration begins in May.

Dr. van der Hoeven explores worms to enhance immune response understanding

Dr. Ransome van der Hoeven, an expert in microbiology and immunology, has made advances in our understanding of innate immune responses by studying the worm, C. elegans.

Collaborative and innovative research

Young LB, Johnsen DC. A Typology of Empathic Communication Strategies in Dental Visits. Eur J Dent Educ. 2025 Feb 20. doi: 10.1111/eje.13081. PMID: 39973234. 

This study examines how dental students express empathy during patient visits, identifying distinct types of empathy—cognitive (understanding patient needs), emotional (responding to feelings), and a hybrid type that combines both. By analyzing feedback from standardized patients, the researchers found that empathy involves specific communication skills, such as simplifying complex information, comforting anxious patients, or respecting patient autonomy. The study highlights that empathy not only improves patient satisfaction and reduces anxiety but also benefits dentists by lowering burnout rates. These findings provide a practical framework for teaching empathy in dental education, emphasizing that effective communication of understanding and compassion can lead to better patient outcomes and stronger dentist-patient relationships. 

Events

March 4, Seminars in Dental Research: Jorma Virtanen, hosted by Steve Levy, Galagan B, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

March 24, National Signing Day:  UICOD 3^rd Floor, 11:00 a.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 11, Preventive and Community Dentistry CE Day, Stanley Museum of Art, All Day, SOLD OUT

April 12, 2025 Donald B. Osbon Memorial Lecture (6 CE credits), Galagan Auditorium, 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Register by April 1.

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.

May 8-10, IDA Annual Session IDEAS25: Des Moines.  Students may attend any sessions and join the President’s Dinner and Dueling Pianos Party for FREE!  Info here. Register here.

May 30, IASDA Talent Show, Coralville Center for Performing Arts, 7:00 p.m.

September 19-20, Iowa Mission of Mercy, Coralville, Iowa.

Notes and Resources 

Filling Station Menu

Hours: M-R: 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

The Hawkeye Smile banner image shows (L-R) Jeremiah Poppin (D3), Bryce Carroll (D3), Destiny Ho (D3), and Claudia Jun (D1) with Dean Stanford at one of the college's pregame social tailgates.