UB dental students deliver over $50,000 in care to underserved patients in Tennessee
Third-year UB dental students and faculty take a break from delivering care during a recent RAM trip.
RAM clinic serves patients in rural communities
By SARAH SMYKOWSKI
Published April 29, 2025
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Twenty-eight third-year dental students and faculty members from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine traveled to Cookeville, TN, to deliver critical dental care to underserved patients during a Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinic held March 22-23, 2025.
Led by Joseph DeLuca, DDS, clinical associate professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry, with assistance from Alex Sikora, DDS, clinical assistant professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, and Robert Cronyn, DDS, JD, clinical associate professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the dental school team joined other health professionals to serve more than 450 patients. Services included dental care, vision exams, health screenings, and other essential medical care, totaling an estimated value of $372,438.
On the oral health side, UB dental students examined 120 patients and provided $51,912 in dental services, ranging from extractions and fillings to prophylaxis treatment. RAM organizers expressed high praise for the students’ professionalism and compassion, who delivered quality care and upheld the school’s values and commitment to improving community oral health.
RAM is a national nonprofit organization that provides free dental, vision and medical care through mobile pop-up clinics throughout the U.S.
“The dedication shown by our students is remarkable,” said Dr. DeLuca, who led the students during the trip. “They traveled a long way and gave so much of themselves to help people who truly needed it. They made us, and the school, very proud.”