Distinguished Alumni Award Winner Profile

Throughout his 43-year career and beyond, Keith Krell has improved endodontic dentistry and his community as a clinician, consultant, mentor, and teacher. The Army National Guard veteran has volunteered for numerous education, mental health, and community dental care initiatives.

A longtime adjunct faculty member in the University of Iowa Department of Endodontics, Krell is a leading expert on cracked teeth. He’s dedicated his work to endodontic excellence, with hundreds of publications, presentations, and abstracts to his credit.

Krell has received wide recognition for his endodontics research and service. The International College of Dentists and American College of Dentists named him as a fellow, and in 2002, he received the Iowa Dental Association President's Award. The Journal of Endodontics recognized him in 2018 with its Clinical Research Award.

Krell is one of only a few individuals to serve as president of the American Board of Endodontics, the American Association of Endodontists Foundation, and the American Association of Endodontists. His colleagues credit him with leading the augmentation of endodontic board certification exams, policies, and procedures.

Giving of his time, Krell volunteers with the American Association of Endodontists and is a trustee with the Des Moines Area Community College Foundation. Until recently, he provided clinical care to patients at a Des Moines hospital. He also lends his musical talents and financial support to fundraisers for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Iowa and DMACC’s Iowa Culinary Institute.

Krell’s selfless service has benefited the field of endodontics as well as his alma mater and nonprofit organizations far and wide.