About Destination Dental School
Learn about the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine's award-winning Destination Dental School program.
Destination Dental School Over the Years
Below, check out the details and slideshows of Destination Dental School cohorts over the years.
In 2025, Destination Dental School included 25 fellows representing eight states and Canada and 25 universities and colleges. 60% of fellows were New York State residents, with 16% attending UB. Fellows spent six weeks in virtual sessions and one week at the UBSDM, where they interacted with over 75 students, residents, faculty and staff during clinical rotations, hands-on activities, capstone research projects, and mock interviews and personal statement clinics.
Read the Destination Dental School 2025 Report for a summary of the program, highlights of student's reflections, and an overview of program outcomes and impacts to date.
Destination Dental School and the Native American Pre-Dental Gateway Program welcomed 31 students to UB in June 2024. Fellows represented 10 U.S. states or territories and 20 universities and colleges. 50% were New York State residents, with 20% attending UB. Their ages ranged from 19 to 35 years old. Fellows spent five weeks in virtual sessions and one week at the UBSDM, where they interacted with over 70 students, staff, and faculty during clinical rotations, hands-on activities, through research projects, and in mock interviews and resume clinics.
Read the Destination Dental School 2024 Report for a summary of the program, highlights of students' reflections, and an overview of program outcomes and impacts to date.
Destination Dental School and the Native American Pre-Dental Student Gateway Program welcomed 30 aspiring dentists to its program during the summer of 2023. Our Fellows represented 13 states and 24 colleges and universities. Their ages ranged from 19 to 37 years old. Fellows spent six weeks in virtual Saturday sessions and one week at the UBSDM, where they interacted with dozens of students and residents in clinical rotations and hands-on activities, presented capstone research projects, participated in mock interviews and resume clinics, and networked with faculty, staff and community partners.
Read the Destination Dental School 2023 Report for a summary of the program, perceived outcomes and reflections from student participants, and impacts of the program on student applications and enrollment in dental schools to date.
The Destination Dental School and Native American Pre-Dental Student Gateway Program welcomed 30 students from across the nation to the University at Buffalo in July 2022. Fellows represented 17 U.S. States and 28 universities and colleges from across the nation. Their ages ranged from 19 to 45 years old. This cohort spent seven weeks learning virtually about dental medicine and dental school and then joined us as the inaugural in-person class! Time in Buffalo was well-spent, meeting one another, studying for the DAT, prepping for admissions, completing hands-on activities and enjoying Buffalo summers!
Read the Destination Dental School 2022 Report for a summary of the program, students' perceived outcomes and reflections, and impacts of the program on student applications and enrollment in dental schools to date.
The Destination Dental School inaugural class of 2021 included 24 participants from across the United States, stretching from New York to Florida to California. These talented students spent every Saturday morning with us during the summer of 2021 learning about the field of dental medicine, participating in hands on activities, and completing capstone research projects. We look forward to a continued partnership with them and the good work they will accomplish in their future dental careers.
How it Started
Arian Johnson, DDS, Class of 2021
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee;
Student National Dental Association; Diversity Chair
Dr. Arian Johnson, who graduated from the UBSDM in 2021, was born and raised on the east side of Buffalo, NY, a predominantly Black neighborhood that is highly impacted socioeconomically. Dr. Johnson was the first in her family to obtain a bachelor’s degree and pursue a doctorate; consequently, she recognizes her role as an advocate and leader for her community. Because of the lack of diversity in the dental profession, she was inspired to propose a dental pathway program to remove barriers for students who are seeking careers in dentistry. Her inspiration resulted in the launch of Destination Dental School in 2021.
Four-Time Winner of Inspiring Program in STEM Award
For four consecutive years, INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine has named Destination Dental School as an Inspiring Program in STEM award winner. The award recognizes colleges, universities, and organizations that have established cutting-edge programs, events, and initiatives devoted to the work of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM. Destination Dental has been chosen for its inventiveness and dedication in supporting a new generation of high-achieving scholars and professionals.
Program Outcomes
Pre- and post-program survey results from 2021-2025 show significant changes in Fellows' perceived knowledge, preparedness and likelihood to attend dental school. Of note, students' knowledge about interview skills and strategies to improve the dental school application increased by 64% and 61% respectively, from pre- to post-program. All measures, including, for example, how to conduct research, knowledge about the different disciplines within dental medicine, and preparedness to apply to dental school, increased over time.
Thank you to our donors and sponsors!
This program would not be possible without the support of our donors and sponsors. The 2025 program received generous support from the Catherine and Philip Galeota Family, Delta Dental Foundation, UB School of Dental Medicine Alumni Association, Eighth District Dental Foundation, KaVo Dental Technologies, Kerr Dental, and Ivoclar.
We invite you to join in our efforts to support the Destination Dental School Program.