Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

School of Dental Medicine Students.
Mental Health Resources for Students, Faculty and Staff Following the Mass Shooting in Buffalo

UB Counseling Services (UBCS) has a diverse staff with student of color specialists and counselors who specialize in international student concerns. Students can schedule an appointment to meet with UB SDM’s embedded counselor, Alison Smith, or any other counselor at UBCS. If students prefer to work with someone else, they can identify their preference for a particular counselor at their needs assessment appointment. If students prefer to be seen in the community for counseling services, UBCS can assist with referrals to the community, including referrals to therapists of color (see the list below).

The Mental Health Effects of Racism
Racial Battle Fatigue
*Statement from UB School of Dental Medicine Re: Buffalo Mass Shooting*

Members of the UB-SDM Community,

Our hearts are with the victims of the horrific mass shooting that happened yesterday afternoon at Top’s Market on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo. Our prayers are with their families and loved ones. Our unwavering solidarity is with the terrified surrounding neighbors and community.

As we are continuing to learn more, official reports suggest that this was a violent hate crime and an act of racially-motivated violent extremism. This horrific act is traumatic for everyone, but it is especially traumatic for members of our community who identify as Black or African American. Our hearts go out the victims, their families and the entire community.

President, Satish Tripathi, issued a statement yesterday that outlines available UB resources to provide support to students, faculty, and staff, including Counseling Services, Intercultural and Diversity Center, and the Employee Assistance Program. UB SDM’s in-house counselor, Allison Smith (masmith6@buffalo.edu) and UB SDM’s Office of Equity, Diversity and inclusion (SDM EDI) are also available to meet with students in need of additional support.

Be assured that our school is guided by the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are a diverse, united community, guided by a love for our profession that has the power to overcome the forces of evil and shall radiate beyond the limits of our campus to our communities.

In the days and weeks to follow we will offer compassionate care and resources to support members of SDM’s community who are experiencing trauma, pain, grief, and fear. Do not hesitate to turn to any of the resources linked above, or to reach out directly to members of SDM’s community. This is a time for us to stay united in spirit and recognize each other as the human beings we are.

With hope that the good in humanity will get the upper hand,

Stefan Ruhl, D.D.S., Ph.D.
Interim Dean, School of Dental Medicine

At the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, we are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive  environment where everyone is valued, supported and respected. Our committment to equity, diversity and inclusion spans across our school and is central to the evaluation of our programs and policies - from recruiting and retaining students, faculty and staff, to monitoring and developing curriculum, to launching programs and events that ensure a safe, inclusive environment.

Learn More

  • Leadership
    2/10/22
    Guiding our work is a leadership team comprised of faculty, staff, students, and community members who are committed to the School of Dental Medicine's mission to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, where our students, faculty, staff, and patients can achieve their greatest potential.
  • Programs
    5/5/22
    Future dentists must be prepared to manage patients with diverse oral healthcare needs. Our programs will ensure we can meet the diverse needs of all our patients at UB and in the community.
  • Resources
    7/7/22
    At the University at Buffalo and the School of Dental Medicine, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. We are guided by evidence-based practices and policies - resources we use in our commitment to inclusive excellence in research and education. 
  • Reporting
    1/6/22
    The School of Dental Medicine does not tolerate harassment, discrimination or mistreatment in any form. If you have experienced or witnessed unprofessional or inappropriate behavior, intolerance, violence, or illegal discrimination, we recommend you report these incidents. Your report ensures a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
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