Leaders at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry have extended a partnership to study dental implants for another three years.

The goal of the project is to enhance the outcomes of dental implant therapy to improve the oral health of Iowans. Astra Tech AB/Astra Tech Inc., a member of the Dentsply Group, has agreed to commit $4.3 million over the eight-year term of the agreement.

The project began five years ago to study dental implant therapy. Researchers across the campus are using nanoscience studies to improve bone and soft tissue adhesion to medical devices and enhance understanding of bone growth on implant surfaces.