Destination Dental School
Destination Dental School is an intense gateway experience for undergraduate students and bachelor degree recipients who are interested in a career in dentistry. This program prepares individuals to successfully apply to dental school.
In this annual summer program, DDS Fellows learn about the dental profession, dental school application, financing strategies, and the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), participate in hands-on activities, conduct research projects, and network with faculty mentors, dental students and community leaders.
Students attend six virtual sessions held on Saturdays in April and May, and a five-day, in-person, intensive training program at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. DDS Fellows' travel and lodging expenses are covered through our program. Graduates receive reimbursement for one DAT and a waived application fee to the UBSDM.
How to Apply
Stay tuned for our 2026 application!
The application cycle for the 2026 Destination Dental School program will open in December 2025. Please contact Ms. Jessica Scates at jmscates@buffalo.edu with any questions.
Destination Dental includes both virtual and in-person components. Fellows are required to attend all virtual and in-person programming to maintain their status in the program and be eligible for DDS program benefits.
Dates
2026 program dates will be available soon.
Benefits
- Reimbursement for cost of travel to UB.
- Lodging, breakfast and lunch are included in the in-person component.
- Reimbursement for one Dental Admissions Test (DAT).
- DAT study resources.
- A waived application fee to the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
Location
Virtual programming is led via Zoom.
The in-person training program is held at the University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine in Buffalo, NY, USA.
Leadership
- Dr. Simone Duarte, associate dean of faculty affairs, equity, diversity, and inclusion; co-director, Destination Dental School
- Dr. Arian Johnson, founder, Destination Dental School
- Dr. Joe Salamon, dental services director, Seneca Nation Health Systems and program director, Native American Pre-Dental Student Gateway Program
- Ms. Jessica Scates, director of equity, diversity and inclusion operations; director, Destination Dental School
Questions?
Please direct questions about Destination Dental School to:
Jessica Scates
Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Operations
Office of the Dean