As the University of Iowa’s Orthodontic graduate program prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, Kyungsup Shin, the graduate program director, is stepping into the role of departmental executive officer of the UI’s Department of Orthodontics, effective July 1. 

Shin will succeed Lina Moreno Uribe, who held the position for five years. 

Shin was born and raised in South Korea and graduated from the UI’s Orthodontics program in 2015. He said taking on the role feels like a grateful continuation of his academic journey. 

“My training journey has taken me through South Korea, Michigan, Boston, and now, Iowa,” he said. “It’s been 13 years since I came to Iowa for my orthodontic residency. I’ve been very proud to continue serving our patients, students, university, and the state of Iowa.”

As he prepares to enter the position, Shin said his top priorities are ensuring patients continue to receive exceptional orthodontic care, providing an outstanding education for orthodontic residents and dental students. 

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To better help patients, Shin wants to continue advancing research in clinical orthodontics and craniofacial biology — the study of how the head, face, and jaws grow and function. 

Shin said laying the foundation for future orthodontic educators is particularly important as the long-term strength of the specialty relies on dedicated and effective educators.

According to the graduate program’s website, 45 students have completed the program and received a certificate in orthodontics in the last nine years. 

Of those 45 students, 41 entered private practice, two entered part time academic positions, one entered an academic position, and one entered the military as a dental specialist, showing that few become educators after graduation. 

“I see our department evolving as a national leader in developing future orthodontic educators,” he said. “I want our program to foster the next generation. We want to ensure the long-term strength and impact of our specialty by investing in them.”

Kendra Bogert-Baird, the digital treatment coordinator of the UI’s Department of Orthodontics, said she is excited to implement Shin’s vision of expanding advanced imaging technologies in the program. 

Bogert-Baird said the UI’s orthodontics program has evolved since she began her time in the role seven years ago. 

She said the orthodontics department has improved, creating digital replicas of teeth to create aligners or treatment plans, rather than using physical impressions. She said the department can now seamlessly transition between conventional and digital treatments to best meet each patient’s needs. 

“We’re exposing all the residents to that digital technology so that they know how to use these things when they go out into private practice,” she said. 

Moreno Uribe said she mentored Shin when he was in the university’s orthodontic residency program 13 years ago. 

“I am so proud and happy for him,” she said. “It’s great to see one of your residents become the next orthodontics DEO. When someone you have mentored in the past successfully achieves certain milestones, it makes you feel very accomplished as a mentor, but as a person, too.”

Moreno Uribe said during her time in the position, she has seen the department come together to improve clinical operations and build a more financially sustainable academic model that balances research and patient care. 

She said she has also welcomed the increased staff over the years and an improved collaborative culture between staff, emphasizing mentorships and shared decision making across faculty, staff, and residents.

“After five years as department executive officer, I am proud of the progress the department has made in strengthening its foundation while staying focused on people, collaboration, and academic excellence,” she said. 

Shin said he hopes to follow in Moreno Uribe’s footsteps and especially build on her emphasis on creating a culture of collaboration. 

“There is a Korean proverb that says, ‘Even the most beautiful pearls only become jewelry and shine when they are strung together,’” he said. “In that spirit, orthodontics does not stand alone.”

Shin said the department will continue to collaborate within the UI’s College of Dentistry to provide outstanding patient care.

“Ultimately, orthodontics is a specialty where we care for patients over many years,” he said. “The impact we have can be life-changing, and I hope to cultivate a culture where we approach that responsibility with the same thoughtfulness and care we would for our own family.”