University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry

05/19/2026

Special message from Dean Susan Rowan:

Congratulations once again to the UIC College of Dentistry Class of 2026. I am incredibly proud of all you have accomplished, and it has been an honor to serve as your dean throughout this journey. We hope you will stay connected and continue building on the meaningful work you began at UIC.

We look forward to all that you will achieve in the years ahead!

05/13/2026

In recognition of , the college partnered with UI Health to provide free oral, head and neck cancer screenings to members of the community. Through their efforts, 65 individuals received potentially lifesaving screenings, reflecting our commitment to prevention, early detection and community care. This effort was made possible through the leadership of Dr. Nicholas Callahan, co-director of the Head and Neck Cancer Integrated Practice Unit at UI Health and assistant professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

05/08/2026

On May 7, the UIC College of Dentistry Class of 2026 proudly crossed the commencement stage, with graduates from all of our programs coming together to celebrate this remarkable milestone. Through years of hard work, perseverance, dedication and supporting one another, they turned their dreams into reality.

To our newest alumni, we wish you continued success in all that lies ahead and are confident in your ability to thrive wherever your journey takes you. Thank you to the faculty and staff whose support made this achievement possible, and to the Office of Student Affairs, our UIC COD volunteers, and the family and friends who made this celebration truly unforgettable.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓🦷

04/24/2026

Schweitzer Fellow and AS4 student, Yasemin Mumay, recently published “Brush, Brush, Roar,” a children’s book designed to help young learners develop strong oral hygiene habits through engaging, accessible storytelling. Inspired by her experience as a parent, her training in digital puppetry, and her fellowship at El Valor, Yasemin spent six months creating this bilingual, sing-along story featuring Redbud Dino. Yasemin was mentored by faculty member Khatija Noorullah, to whom she expresses sincere gratitude for her guidance, encouragement and support throughout this journey.

Her book is available on Amazon.

Congratulations, Yasemin, your work represents a meaningful contribution to the health and well-being of the communities we serve!

04/16/2026

April is , an important reminder that early detection saves lives. Stop by for a free oral, head, and neck cancer screening in just 5–10 minutes. No appointment or insurance needed — walk-ins are welcome.

03/26/2026

On March 6, 34 first-year students volunteered at Eli Whitney Elementary School in Chicago’s Little Village/South Lawndale neighborhood. The group delivered oral health education to more than 400 children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. This outreach reflects our college’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and prevention-focused care.

03/11/2026

Last week, the college hosted its 39th annual Clinic & Research Day. This day-long event brought together faculty, students and staff to celebrate and share research discoveries that are advancing the field. Poster sessions showcased the work of more than 140 trainees, including dental students, postdoctoral fellows, residents and research associates.

We extend our sincere thanks to the committee, volunteers, speakers, sponsors and mentors whose dedication made this year’s event another great success and provided our students with the opportunity to help shape the future of dentistry!

03/04/2026

This is your moment to give back to the university that shaped you.

When you Give a Spark, you leave your mark on the lives of students who will carry UIC forward.

Your gift is more than a donation. It’s a connection to the next generation. It’s your chance to shape the future of UIC and ensure student success remains our number one priority.

Give a Spark is almost over. Leave your mark now: https://ow.ly/ImGg50YpnSp

UIC Alumni

03/04/2026

Today is the day! 🌟

This is your moment to leave your mark on the university that shaped you. Every gift, big or small, fuels scholarships, research, faculty excellence and programs that drive student success, our number one priority.

Join alumni, faculty, staff and friends ignite opportunity and shape the future of UIC.

Make your gift now and be part of history: https://ow.ly/GFM950Yok2H

UIC Alumni

02/24/2026

Last week, the Office of Student Affairs hosted the college’s annual career fair, connecting graduating students with more than 25 organizations from across the profession. This networking event gives students the opportunity to explore diverse career paths and build meaningful connections that extend beyond graduation.

Thank you to all the vendors who came to speak with our students. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

02/17/2026

Dr. Scott Tomar has been appointed inaugural department head of UIC College of Dentistry’s recently launched Department of Population Oral Health (DPOH). A nationally recognized leader in dental public health, Dr. Tomar has served at the college since 2020 and played a central role in planning the new department. He is a graduate of the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service and a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health. A prolific and award-winning scholar, he has published nearly 200 journal articles and book chapters and contributed to seven U.S. Surgeon General’s Reports. He currently serves as spokesperson on community water fluoridation for the American Dental Association (ADA) and is a member of the ADA’s National Fluoridation Advisory Committee.

The DPOH is the college’s ninth academic department and its first new department in more than 30 years reflecting the college’s expanding leadership in oral disease prevention, public health education and community-based research. The department will serve as the college’s central hub for advancing dental public health, clinical prevention, evidence-based practice and interprofessional education and will also oversee the joint DMD-MPH program in partnership with the UIC School of Public Health.

Read the full announcement ▶️ https://ow.ly/Lx8550Yhm62

02/11/2026

Read the full story ▶️ http://bit.ly/4acCjyX

12/18/2025

After learning about pediatric disorders and oral cancers that can affect children, the DMD Class of 2028 launched an initiative to bring smiles to pediatric patients. The initiative raised more than $400 in teddy bear donations for the Children’s Hospital University of Illinois. The teddy bears will be given to children receiving care at the hospital, offering comfort, reassurance and a friendly companion during difficult moments. This contribution will help brighten the day of many young patients and highlights the power of kindness within the COD community.

Kudos to the class! Thank you to all who donated!

UI Health

12/15/2025

The American Association of Public Health Dentistry- AAPHD UIC chapter has expanded its services to include endodontic clinic days at RefugeeOne giving UIC dental students the opportunity to provide much needed root canal treatments to refugees. The program helps a vulnerable community gain access to specialized dental care that might otherwise be difficult to obtain. This initiative is made possible with the help of Dr. Qian Xie, associate professor and director of pre-patient care in endodontics, whose expertise, kindness and dedication to community service made this initiative a reality.

Thank you to our volunteers and to Dr. Xie for making such a meaningful impact.

12/04/2025

On Saturday, Oct. 11, UIC COD and Student National Dental Association (SNDA) were invited by the UIC College of Medicine to participate in the October Health and Wellness Fair. Their presence helped create a successful, impactful and engaging event that brought vital health and wellness resources, education, and services to the Southside of Chicago.

The fair brought together a powerful coalition of campus groups and community partners to promote holistic health, wellness and education. Attendees were able to access free health screenings, vaccinations, educational and wellness activities, and valuable community resources — all while enjoying the energy and spirit of UIC, highlighted by an appearance from our beloved mascot, Sparky.

Thank you to Jonathan Banks for volunteering and representing us well!

12/03/2025

Dr. Robert Rada, (pictured third from left) clinical professor of oral medicine and diagnostic sciences, Jennifer Bereckis, (pictured third from right) executive director of clinical operations and clinical assistant professor of restorative dentistry, D4 students Bhavya Jasthi, Diksha Sharma, Carmen Chan and Anastasia Sandoval volunteered at the Illinois Region D Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Special Smiles event at the Wintrust Sports Complex in Bedford Park, Illinois. About 70 athletes received oral health screenings. Overall, participants were in good health, and referrals were made for those who needed care.

12/02/2025

Today is the day to open doors. Your support helps fund scholarships that make UIC’s mission possible by expanding access, advancing research and empowering students to create a more just and equitable world.

Make your gift: go.uic.edu/givingtuesday

12/01/2025

Drs. Christina Nicholas, associate professor of orthodontics and anthropology, and David Avenetti, associate professor and head of pediatric dentistry, co-authored an article featured in The Conversation US, a nonprofit, independent news organization that shares expert knowledge for the public good.

Titled "Why Do People Have Baby Teeth and Adult Teeth?", the article explains that humans have two sets of teeth, baby and adult, so their teeth fit the changing size of their jaws as they grow, allowing them to chew properly throughout life. It also emphasizes the importance of caring for baby teeth, which hold space for adult teeth and help prevent crowding and alignment issues later on.

Read the full article.

A pediatric dentist and an anthropologist explain how baby teeth and adult teeth help humans chomp their food over a long lifespan.

11/26/2025

Save the date! December 2 is — your chance to open doors for UIC students.

Your gift supports scholarships for the next generation of leaders, researchers and changemakers. Together, we can ensure every talented student has access to a world-class UIC education. Make a difference this . Learn more at go.uic.edu/givingtuesday