The UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is a global leader in oral science and dental and craniofacial research

Dental Research with a lasting impact

At the forefront of innovation, the College of Dentistry is advancing oral health research with a mission to address both foundational and emerging challenges in dental science. Our research spans a wide range of topics, from improving patient outcomes and developing new technologies to tackling the underlying causes of oral diseases. Each study, whether in the lab or clinic, reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities around the world.

Over the last several years, the UI College of Dentistry has more than doubled its external research funding from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), vaulting from 24th in the nation and $2.2M to 12th overall and $4.6M in the latest rankings.

8

major areas of research

# 12

nationally in NIDCR funding

$ 26M +

in funding since 2022

40 %

of DDS students participate in research

Research News

Steve Levy

Dr. Steven Levy Supports Development of Clinically-Relevant Caries Risk Index

Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Dr. Steven Levy is co-investigator on an NIH-funded study developing a clinically meaningful caries risk index using national survey data. He’s helping ensure that the tool reflects real-world dental practice, with the goal of improving risk assessment and patient outcomes in clinical settings.
Azeez Butali as the keynote speaker at the 2023 Iowa AADOCR

Dr. Azeez Butali awarded prestigious Fulbright to advance human genetics research in Nigeria

Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Dr. Azeez Butali, professor of oral pathology, radiology, and medicine in the UI College of Dentistry, has been awarded a Fulbright to further his groundbreaking work in human genetics.