Serving the Community, Educating Students

As oral health students and professionals, we use our talent and expertise to promote oral health awareness, and improve access to dental care throughout our communities. At a typical event we might provide children and parents with free toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss, and teach them about the importance of preventative care.

In addition, we actively look for ways to be of service in other areas. For example, our dental students have worked with a local shelter for domestic violence victims, so students know what to look for in cases of domestic violence.

At UB, our outreach programs address all of our communities, including:

• The University at Buffalo community
• The City of Buffalo
• The Buffalo-Niagara region
• Underserved communities throughout the United States, and around the world

We go where we are needed, whether it’s a local school or mall right here in Buffalo — or a village halfway around the world.

Community outreach helps dental students learn how to work with diverse populations, while reinforcing the importance of giving back. Our students receive specific training in outreach, and can also choose to participate in additional activities.

At UB, dental students:

• Take a community dentistry class
• Have hundreds of opportunities for outreach throughout the year
• Work with a diverse population, including children, adolescents, seniors, immigrants, refugees, those from rural communities, and those with unmet needs

Through these diverse opportunities, students gain valuable experiences and insight that will serve them — and their communities — throughout their careers.