Thank You IMOM 2025 Volunteers!

As we reflect on the huge success of the 2025 Iowa Mission of Mercy in Coralville, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible impact that our IMOM volunteers have made. Thank you for volunteering your time, energy, and compassion. It helped bring quality dental care to those who needed it most!

IDA Day on the Hill 2026

Mark your calendars on Tuesday, January 27 at the Iowa Statehouse for IDA Day on the Hill 2026!

Mark Your Calendar for IDEAS26

IDEAS will be coming back to Des Moines in 2026 on April 30-May 2 at the Iowa Events Center!

IADAPT

The Iowa Dental Advocacy for Professional and Personal Thriving (IADAPT) program has officially launched! IADAPT will provide all Iowa dentists three free, confidential, one-hour coaching / therapy sessions with a licensed provider from Flowstate Health. Click the button below to learn more and to schedule your first appointment!
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Make Your Voice Heard in Iowa Politics!

While the IDA’s presence at the Iowa Statehouse continues to grow, we need to ensure we can continue to build relationships with key legislators. Our BEST advocacy tool is IDPAC. By contributing to IDPAC, you are investing in our advocacy work and the future of dentistry in Iowa. Help us continue protecting your ability to practice and serve your patients.
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Welcome to the Iowa Dental Association

The Iowa Dental Association (IDA) is the premier professional association representing dentists in the state of Iowa. In existence since 1863, the IDA is home to over 1,800 Iowa dentists, which represents approximately 80% of the licensed dentists in the state.  

All IDA member dentists are not only members of the IDA, but also the American Dental Association (ADA) and their local district society.

IDA’s mission is to encourage the improvement of the health of the public, to promote the art and science of dentistry, and to represent the interests of the members of the dental profession and the public which it serves.  

In the News

Dr. Sara Stuefen Honored at UICOD Alumni Reception

Oct 1, 2025

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry celebrated three dental alumni during its annual Alumni Reception on Sept. 12, 2025, at The Graduate Hotel in Iowa City.

Garland Hershey ('65 DDS, '71 MS), Eric teDuits ('90 DDS, '92 MS, '92 PDEO), and Sara Stuefen ('10 DDS) were named the 2025 Educator of the Year, Alumnus of the Year, and inaugural Rising Star Awardee, respectively. 

The annual weekend invited alumni from graduating classes ending in 5's and 0's to Iowa City. The weekend included Continuing Education courses, pregame social, game watch party, and the alumni reception.

Sara Stuefen, 2025 Rising Star Awardee

Stuefen, a 2010 graduate from the University of Iowa, was honored with the inaugural Rising Star Award created to recognize outstanding early-career dentists who are making an impact. 

Stuefen, a solo practitioner in Vinton, IA, also serves on the American Dental Association’s Board of Trustees, representing the 10th District. “It’s an incredible honor,” she says of winning the award. “My goal is to leave the profession in a better place than I found it.”

Her journey to becoming a dentist began as a patient. Growing up in Fort Madison, she made regular trips to Iowa City for dental care. On one of those visits, a faculty member encouraged her to consider dentistry and arranged for her to tour the college. Stuefen knew she wanted to work in healthcare, and, after a few years of studying at Iowa, she committed to dentistry. 

Stuefen is a proud supporter of the college and served as an adjunct faculty member in family dentistry from 2010 to 2018. She lectures to dental students nationwide as part of the ADA’s Success Speaker program, emphasizing the importance of working through failures and frustrations and prioritizing mental health. 

Stuefen is most likely the youngest ADA trustee in the organization’s history, and she is proud to be tackling challenges such as access to fluoride and dental insurance reform. She is also working with other trustees to stabilize the ADA’s finances and leadership

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