Updated February 2026
The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine reserves the right to make changes in programs, policy and regulations as needed subsequent to the publication of this handbook.
The University at Buffalo (UB) School of Dental Medicine sponsors several Advanced Education programs. These include University and Graduate Medical Education (GME) clinical and certificate programs as well as Master’s (MS) and Doctoral (PhD) programs. The university-based certificate, MS, and PhD programs follow the policies of the School of Dental Medicine (SDM) and The Graduate School. The GME programs follow the policies of the SDM and those developed by the Graduate Medical Education Office. Many of the policies in this handbook supplement other existing policies.
School of Dental Medicine Advanced Education Programs (University based certificate, MS, and PhD):
School of Dental Medicine Advanced Education Programs Administered Through the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Office:
The term “student” includes A- Any individual enrolled in the SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program; and B- Any individual enrolled in a SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Advanced Education certificate program that is NOT supported by Graduate Medical Education (Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics and Orofacial Pain); and C- Any individual enrolled in a SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Master of Science (MS) program (Biomaterials, Oral Sciences, Orthodontics) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program (Oral Biology).
The term “resident” includes A- any individual enrolled in a SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Advanced Education program that is supported by Graduate Medical Education (Pediatric Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery); and B- any individual enrolled in a SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Advanced Education program that is stipend-supported (Advanced Education in General Dentistry).
Because both “student” and “resident” refer to individuals in Advanced Education programs, the term “student/resident” is frequently used to refer to the group as a whole.
University and Dental School photo identification cards are issued to each new dental student and resident. All students/residents, faculty and staff are required to wear their UB SDM ID card at all times while in Squire Hall or the Biomedical Research Building (BRB). UB ID cards are required for admittance to University at Buffalo facilities and events and for access to the Clinic Management System. A replacement fee is charged for lost cards. Dental School ID card replacements may be obtained by visiting 1 Diefendorf or 1 Capen.
The SDM computer lab is located in the basement of Squire Hall (B-1G). The facility has Mac and IBM-compatible computers and a printer, and is designed to allow students to do clinical management as well as basic computing tasks as needed. The room is accessible by UBCard swipe card during all Squire Hall open hours. Contact the Office of Information Resources (716-829-2056) for more information.
A UBITName is a digital identity issued to a person affiliated with the University and provides access to University at Buffalo Information Technology (UBIT) services. The UBITName and password provide access to many vital online services, including MyUB and UB Learns.
Students/residents are assigned email accounts, connected to the UBITName, when they begin at the University. Email is one of UB's core internal and external communication methods. It is essential that students/residents establish and maintain their UB email; if another email system is preferred, students/residents must set a forwarding address so information about university announcement and official business are received in a timely manner. All information sent to the University email address is considered to reach the student/resident and they are responsible to read the information.
The use of cell phones is not allowed in dental classrooms, clinics or laboratories due to their disruptive nature. Students/residents found using cell phones in these settings may be subject to disciplinary proceedings.
Students should only park in student -designated lots. Students illegally displaying patient parking permits and parking in patient designated parking areas during regular patient hours may be ticketed, towed or lose clinic privileges or other sanctions. For additional information regarding policies, please call the University Office of Campus Parking and Transportation Services at 645-2516 or visit their website at www.ub-parking.buffalo.edu.
Students/residents planning to park on campus after midnight should visit UB’s Overnight parking web page for details on permitted lots and designated areas where overnight parking is permitted. Students/residents are advised to sign up for UB Alerts to receive parking details during inclement weather.
Students in clinical programs and involved in direct patient care are subject to health requirements required of all UB students and of health majors. These may be found on UB’s Immunization and Health Requirements web page. Masters and PhD only students who are not in the dental clinics and are not involved in direct patient care, are required to meet Student Health requirements for all non-health major UB students.
The deadline for all new, incoming students/residents to submit required health documentation is July 1 for AEGD, Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Prosthodontics. The deadline for Biomaterials, Oral Pathology, Oral Biology, Oral Sciences, Periodontics, and Orofacial Pain students is August 1.
Continuing students in Endodontoics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and TMD and Orofacial Pain must complete the annual immunization review form for Student Health Services by August 1st each year. Details on the annual immunization review form can be found on the Annual Immunization Review Form web page.
Incoming AEGD residents must submit a health form to the School of Dental Medicine prior to starting their program. GME residents must provide any records or forms required by the Graduate Medical Education office. Requirements can be found on the GME Resident Occupational Health Policy web page.
Additionally, Basic Life Support (BLS) is required for clinical students/residents who are or will be involved in direct patient care. This must be completed before students/residents start their program and may not expire before program completion. It is the responsibility of the student/resident to be aware of their expiration date, take a course before their BLS expires, and upload a copy of their new/current BLS card to the SDM Post-Doc Compliance UBLearns course. Additional trainings are required before students/residents start their program. These requirements are outlined in Appendix C.
Any student/resident who fails to complete the health requirements and BLS training will not have clinic access until compliant. Students may also receive an account check-stop or hold, which prevents course registration. The check-stop or hold is removed once the student submits documentation that verifies compliance.
The Student Health Center is located at 4350 Maple Road in Buffalo and is open to all currently registered students. Student Health Services provides medical care to registered UB students. Examples of services include: annual physical exams, sexual health consultations, in-house lab, travel medicine, and more. For more information on services, making appointments, or after hours care, visit the Student Health Services web page.
The University offers free, voluntary and confidential services to currently registered students. Services include individual, group, couples, and crisis counseling as well as drug and alcohol counseling on both north and south campuses. For more information, visit UB’s Counseling Services web page.
The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is committed to ensuring equal access to its programs and activities and adheres to the University at Buffalo's Notice of Non-discrimination. Visit https://www.buffalo.edu/equity.html to read the entire notice.
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. Everyone has a right to equal access under Title IX, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Visit UB’s Title IX web page for information on protections, regulations and how to report discrimination.
It is important to note that behavior in classroom/clinic may fall short of the legal standard for sexual harassment but still may be addressed as unprofessional and/or inappropriate. For additional information and directions on how to report adverse incidents, please visit the School of Dental Medicine Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion web page. Information and services can also be accessed via UB’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion website.
UB is committed to ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for all members of the UB community inclusive of our LGBTQ students/residents. If you are experiencing behavior that is causing you to be uncomfortable in class/clinic or anywhere else on campus, please visit UB’s LGBTQ Information and Support web page for resources and information on how to report discrimination.
Students/residents who require classroom or testing accommodations due to a disability must contact the office of Accessibility Resources by phone at (716) 645-2608 or email at stu-accessibility@buffalo.edu. Please inform the Course Director and the Office of Advanced Education as soon as possible about your needs so that accommodations can be coordinated. Utilizing accommodations MUST NOT impact your ability to attend other courses. Students/residents must coordinate all individual exam accommodations with the course director.
UB Campus Police is the University's law enforcement agency to facilitate the reporting, prevention, and investigation of criminal activities and to provide for prompt response to other emergencies.
Members of the academic community and visitors to the campus are encouraged to report crimes to the police dispatcher from any campus telephone at 645-2222 (emergency) or 645-2227 (non-emergency). Crimes and emergencies may also be reported by using a campus "blue light" telephone or a campus pay phone by dialing *2222, both of which immediately connect the caller with University Police's dispatch office. This office operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and dispatches patrols to fire and medical emergency calls and to reports of criminal activity.
Campus Police Officers have full police status and the state authority to enforce and investigate violations of all laws and regulations. The Department is in daily contact with the City of Buffalo and Town of Amherst police departments, the Erie County Sheriff's Office and the New York State Police. The Department maintains 24-hour-a-day contact with area law enforcement agencies.
Campus police officers conduct a series of campus programs on topics related to sexual assault, self-defense, personal safety, and general crime prevention. To learn more, visit UB’s University Police website.
The University maintains an official site for emergency planning and procedures. During an emergency, updates are posted at http://emergency.buffalo.edu/.
All members of the University are strongly encouraged to sign up for UB Alert via the site above. By signing up for UB Alert, members of the UB community can expect to receive quick and accurate information during an urgent situation, including changes in essential services, whether it's an incident on campus, or severe weather that affects university operations. Alerts can be sent to your phone and/or email.
Smoking is prohibited on all university-managed property, both indoors and outdoors. This includes doorway areas, loading docks, fields, and UB owned and operated vehicles.
In conjunction with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University at Buffalo is committed to clear and concise policies on substance abuse and a strong program of counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and reentry. Students/residents should be aware of the following information at http://www.buffalo.edu/studentlife/who-we-are/departments/conduct/drug-free-schools-and-community-act.html.
Any student interested in financial aid should visit UB’s Financial Aid website for information on eligibility, the financial aid process, and types of aid. Financial aid counselors are available to meet with students during main business hours.
The School of Dental Medicine requires all students to have health insurance coverage. A required annual attestation regarding this can be found in the SDM Mandatory Training UBLearns course (Module 4).
If you are not covered under the health insurance policy of your spouse, parent, domestic partner, etc. you must obtain health insurance coverage. The university has provided several resources to ensure that students have the necessary resources and information to make knowledgeable decisions about health insurance coverage. Please visit the Find an Insurance Plan page on the university website for steps and information.
Abbott Library, on south campus, is open seven days a week when school is in session. For more information on hours, other UB libraries, collections and workshop opportunities, visit the University Libraries web site.
The AADOCR is an organization of dental researchers, including faculty and students/residents at dental institutions throughout the United States. Its purpose is to promote dental research and allow transmission of research findings in a timely manner. For further information, contact the chair of the Buffalo chapter or visit the AADOCR website.
ADEA is an organization of dental and dental auxiliary faculty, students, residents, administrators and researchers. Its mission is to develop an inclusive, future-ready oral health workforce prepared to improve the health of all people and communities through leadership, education and collaboration. ADEA membership provides an opportunity for students and residents to become involved in a professional association and participate in policy-making decisions for dental education. For more information, visit the ADEA website .
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is the representative body for graduate students at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Its two key purposes are to provide representation and services. GSA membership consists of all graduate students (i.e. students NOT enrolled in MD, DDS, JD, MBA, SPSA, or undergraduate degree programs) and is one of seven student governments at the University at Buffalo.
Academic work is a joint enterprise involving faculty and students. Both have a fundamental investment in the enterprise, and both must share responsibility for ensuring its integrity.
The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is committed to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, admission to the School is open to all qualified individuals and complies with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1993).
The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine recognizes that awarding a Certificate of Advanced Study for a clinical dentistry program carries with it the full authority of the institution and communicates to those who might seek the services of the bearer that he or she is competent to practice. Dental Certificate of Advanced Study programs require students to acquire didactic knowledge and to learn skills and attitudes essential to the profession and agreed upon by the faculty as requisite for the practice of dentistry or a dental specialty. The student requires both cognitive and technical skills to successfully complete the curriculum.
Applicants must possess the skills and abilities that will allow them to successfully complete the course of study and receive the full benefit of their education. Certificate of Advanced Study programs include treatment of patients of the School, and the School has the responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of all. Treatment must be completed safely and within an acceptable amount of time. The student must therefore be able to meet the following technical standards with or without reasonable accommodation.
Standards
Admissions Integrity
Any falsification or omission of data may result in revocation of admission. Falsification of any documents submitted as part of the application process is considered a breach of the School of Dental Medicine Code of Ethics and will result in dismissal if discovered at some future date. The SDM Code of Ethics can be viewed on the Advanced Education Student/Resident Handbook web page.
The option to simultaneously enroll in a Master's or PhD program and a clinical advanced education program may be available to students interested in pursuing both. Candidates must apply separately to each program and must be accepted into each program. The application and admittance process for both programs is separate. Application fees and tuition deposits for both programs apply. Annual tuition covers both programs.
Once dual enrolled, directors for each program will collaborate to ensure appropriate time is allotted to each program. Courses may or may not be substituted to meet the requirements of either program. Substitution decisions are at the program director’s discretion.
Each program is conferred individually. It is not guaranteed that the completion date or semester for both programs will be the same. Requirements for each program must be met before conferral. Master’s and PhD degrees are conferred by The Graduate School and Certificate of Advanced Study programs are awarded by the School of Dental Medicine.
The student/resident has the right to high quality, supervised clinical practice, excellent educational experiences, and a safe, supportive environment.
The student/resident has the right to due process. Students/residents in university programs follow the written policies of UB’s Graduate School for due process in issues of academic integrity and resolving academic grievances. Complete policies are available on the Graduate School Policy Library web page. AEGD residents will follow the Advanced Education judicial council procedures.
Residents of GME programs (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry) follow due process procedures developed by the GME Office. These can be found on the Graduate Medical Education Policies web page.
All students/residents at the University at Buffalo are expected to abide by the Student Conduct Rules, University Standards & Administrative Regulations approved by the Council of the State University of New York at Buffalo. This document may be accessed from the Student Content webpage.
Students and residents have the responsibility to adhere to the policies and expectations of UB, the SDM, and their particular program(s). They are obligated to maintain high standards of moral and ethical behavior and to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
Ethical and professional behavior is characterized by honesty, compassion, kindness, integrity, fairness and charity in all professional circumstances; respect for the rights, differences, and property of others; concern for the welfare of patients, competence in the delivery of care, inclusive of various perspectives, backgrounds and capabilities allowing for access to quality care and preservation of confidentiality in all situations where this is warranted.
The student/resident has a duty to respect the patient's rights to self-determination and confidentiality. The student/resident has a duty to refrain from harming the patient and a duty to promote the patient’s welfare.
All students/residents are also expected to conduct themselves in a conscientious manner in accordance with the ethical standards generally recognized within the academic community, as well as within the dental profession. Students/residents are obligated by the responsibility of service to the patient, to the profession and to their own personal standards of integrity to become qualified to administer conscientiously to the problems and needs of patients. With this responsibility in mind, students/residents are expected to::
Students/residents in university programs who violate these Conduct Rules shall be subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the Graduate School Policy on Academic Integrity. Complete policies are available on the Graduate School Policy Library web page. AEGD residents will follow the Advanced Education judicial council procedures.
Residents in GME programs who violate these Conduct Rules shall be subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the Graduate Medical Education (GME) Policies. These can be found on the Graduate Medical Education Policies web page.
The SDM encourages the timely resolution of all complaints regarding an Advanced Education program. Complaints may be directed to faculty, the Program Director, the Associate Dean for Advanced Education or the Dean.
Students/residents in CODA accredited programs also have the right to directly contact the Commission on Dental Accreditation to complain about programs accredited by CODA. According to CODA guidelines:
The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program's compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental- related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students.
A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 extension 4653.
Student/resident responsibilities include all aspects of performance: technical performance, written and oral examinations, management of patients, and professional conduct and demeanor. Grades, therefore, reflect more than the passing of examinations and the successful completion of laboratory and clinical requirements. Demonstrated incompatibility with health professional obligations, ethics, and legal responsibilities represent grounds for dismissal from the program. Students are expected to:
Registered students will be graded based on policies of The Graduate School. Course specific policies are outlined in course syllabi. Final semester grade reports are available in HUB which can be accessed via https://myub.buffalo.edu/. Because official mail is sent to the student permanent address, students must maintain current address information with the University. Addresses may be updated via HUB.
Instructions on the request procedure for transcripts may be found on the Advanced Education Transcripts and Verifications web page.
Comprehensive evaluation of all courses is administered at the end of each semester by the Office of Advanced Education. The purpose of this evaluation is to elicit feedback and constructive criticism for Course Directors in order to address course effectiveness. Students are expected to participate fully in this important process. Course Directors may also ask students to evaluate individual instructors at the end of the semester in order to address teaching performance.
Attendance at scheduled classes, laboratory sessions, clinical assignments (including rotations), and examinations is mandatory. Policies for each course are documented within the course syllabus. Every Course Director shall provide to students a course syllabus during the first week of class that specifies attendance policies and dates and times for classes, exams and all other required activities.
Students/residents may be excused from classes or clinic due to religious observances, illness documented by a physician or other appropriate health care professional, public emergencies, documented personal or family emergencies. Students/residents are required to notify their course directors of any excused absences in a timely manner and to promptly complete any alternative assignments.
If the absence includes clinic, students/residents must also notify their Program Director and the appropriate dental unit. Program directors may require documentation of such excused absences. Students/residents are also responsible for informing their assigned patients of appointment cancellations and re-appointments in a timely manner. Absences involving clinic or rotation assignments are always subject to patient care considerations. If the clinic or rotation director determines that an anticipated absence will negatively affect patient care, such absence may not be approved. Additionally, missed clinic time may need to be made up before program completion.
Refer to the SDM Policy Library for documents such as the Clinic Manual, Infection and Hazard Control Manual, Code of Ethics and information regarding clinic procedures, protocol and responsibilities. The SDM Policy Library can be found in the SDM Gateway.
A student/resident’s appearance contributes to both the establishment and maintenance of a positive dentist-patient relationship. Thus, appearance must be neat and clean and in accordance with public expectations of professional dress to constructively contribute to this relationship. Students/residents must also appear in clinic with clean hands, nails, hair, body and clothing. Hair, including facial hair, must not interfere with the safe use of instruments and equipment in clinic or laboratories. Body odors must be controlled, including avoidance of perfumes and aftershaves that could aggravate patient allergies or be considered noxious at close range. Violations of these codes may result in dismissal from the clinics. Repeated violations may result in a failing course grade.
Two distinct but related sets of guidelines have been developed to meet state and federal requirements and to create the professional atmosphere expected of all health care offices and institutions. These guidelines are for (1) clinical and non-clinical areas (laboratories, hallways, offices, etc.) while not involved in direct patient care and (2) clinical areas during direct patient care. For further information on clinic dress code and infection control procedures, refer to the SDM Clinic Manual and the Infection Control Manual. Both manuals can be found in the SDM Gateway.
Requests for leaves of absence must be made in writing to the Program Director. All requests must be supported by adequate written documentation describing the basis for such request. Program Directors can provide the Leave of Absence Form. Refer to Appendix D for the information requested on the Leave of Absence Form.
Leaves of absence are approved when an approval letter is signed by the student/resident, Program Director, and Associate Dean for Advanced Education. Approval letters will include leave start date, end or anticipated return date, and any potential impact the leave may have on the program length or the student/resident’s ability to meet program requirements. Students/residents may need to extend their time in the program to make up time missed during a leave or meet requirements needed for graduation. Program extension may have financial and/or licensure implications.
Students/Residents in UB School of Dental Medicine Advanced Education programs who wish to withdraw from their program before completing all program requirements should first have a verbal conversation with their Program Director to discuss concerns and/or withdrawal. If a withdrawal is decided during an in-person meeting or verbal conversation with the Program Director, the student should email their program director stating intent to withdraw and the reason. A short, general reason must be included.
Following an official withdrawal request, the Program Director will place the written request in the student’s file and notify the Advanced Education Office. The Advanced Education Office will notify The Graduate School for all student programs. OMFS and Pediatric Dentistry Program Directors will also notify the GME office. The AEGD Program Director will notify the Restorative Department Program Coordinator who will work with Human Resources to terminate employment.
The Program Director will determine which out-processing steps need to be taken and oversee the completion of these. Students/Residents who are withdrawing must attend to out-processing items and comply with all out-processing procedures.
Questions regarding this process should be directed to Program Directors or the Advanced Education office (sdmpg@buffalo.edu). Students should be aware of potential financial liabilities if choosing to withdraw after a semester starts. More information can be found on the Student Accounts Financial Liability Deadlines web page. For programs/courses that follow the Dental School calendar (vs standard Graduate), students should refer to the Professional liability deadlines.
Advanced education trainees should be in regular contact with Program Directors regarding specific requirements. The information below is provided as a supplement to program information and guidelines.
Department Program Coordinators are responsible for course registration of Advanced Education students. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they do not have a hold on their HUB account or to clear any holds before registration for the next semester begins. Late fees may be charged if registration cannot be completed due to an account hold.
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, a grade point average for the most recently completed semester of at least 3.0, and have no unresolved F grades in order to be in good academic standing. Students who are not in good standing will be placed on academic probation, and this will be so noted in the student’s academic file.
All decisions regarding academic status are made in accordance with The Graduate School’s policies. View the Graduate School Policy Library.
Resident standing (OMFS, Pediatric Dentistry, and AEGD) is determined by periodic evaluations by the Program Director with input from faculty. Unfavorable evaluations may result in remediation of clinical deficiencies. Failure to successfully remediate may result in non-promotion, non-renewal, or academic dismissal. The full policy for OMFS and Pediatric Dentistry residents can be found on the GME Academic Action Policy webpage.
Students/residents in university programs (certificate programs in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Orofacial Pain; MS programs in Biomaterials, Oral Sciences, and Orthodontics; and PhD program in Oral Biology) follow the written policies of UB’s Graduate School for due process in issues of academic integrity and resolving grievances. Complete policies are available in the Graduate School Policy Library. AEGD residents will follow the Advanced Education judicial council procedures.
Faculty and student representatives from each department at SDM are identified each fall to ensure a suitable pool for decanal and Graduate School hearing committees.
Residents of GME programs (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry) follow due process procedures developed by the GME Office. These can be found on the Graduate Medical Education Policies web page.
During orientation, students/residents in the School of Dental Medicine signify in writing that they have read the Code of Ethics and that they agree to abide by the School Honor System, as well as the Student Conduct Rules, University Standards and Administrative Regulations, during his or her affiliation with the school. Advanced Education Students signify their acceptance and agreement in writing during orientation.
The School’s Honor System is based on four fundamental ethical principles: Veracity, Justice, Beneficence, and Autonomy. From these universal principles of ethical behavior flow the standards and ideals which serve to guide the professional conduct of members of the School of Dental Medicine.
The principle of Veracity requires the professional to observe truthfulness and personal integrity in all interactions. Whether verbal or nonverbal, communication forms the basis of all human relationships. When communication is eroded by dishonesty and deceit, this basis is destroyed and meaningful relationships become impossible.
The principle of Justice requires that the professional treat others in a fair and impartial manner and give what is due or owed or what can be legitimately claimed. Absence of bias and discrimination against others is assumed under this principle.
The principle of Beneficence requires that the professional help others to further their important and legitimate interests by providing a needed service. The prevention or removal of possible harm to others also falls within this principle. Beneficence includes the concept of upholding and protecting the credibility and reputation of the profession, thereby upholding the public's trust.
The principle of Autonomy requires that the professional have a general respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of others. Persons are to be respected as unconditionally worthy individuals who have a right to self-determination as long as the resulting actions do no harm to others. Assumed under this principle is the concept of respect for and tolerance of individual differences and individuals' rights to privacy and to make their own choices.
Each student/resident entering advanced education training programs at the School of Dental Medicine is expected to have established the highest concepts of honor and personal integrity, and to maintain these concepts throughout his or her professional career. All student/resident activities in the dental school are conducted under the school honor system in recognition of these expectations.
Professional ethics are the responsibility of each individual operating within the profession. The Honor System is based on self-regulation inherent in the profession of dentistry. The Honor System assumes that all individuals have the personal integrity to be honest and professional, and that this integrity compels them to discourage any unprofessional behavior they may observe in others.
All students/residents are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the principle and spirit of the honor system. Violations of the honor system will expose the student to disciplinary action. In certain circumstances, a student/resident may be suspended temporarily. Temporary suspension means that a student/resident may be deemed to be a CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER to the University Community, patients and/or him- or herself and may be suspended immediately, pending a timely hearing on the charges. The following are some specific, but not exhaustive, examples of expected student/resident conduct.
Students/residents shall not:
Students/residents shall:
Students/residents shall not:
Professionalism is defined as the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person. Professionalism presupposes accountability for one's actions. Unprofessional conduct includes, but is not limited to:
I, upon entering an advanced dental education program, accept and honor the concept of unquestionable ethical and moral practice of my art, both in my own activities and those of my professional colleagues. I will not defame myself nor the profession through academic cheating or allowing such misconduct by my professional peers. Misconduct may include violation of school and departmental regulations and procedures, which will reflect on the profession of my peers. Such misconduct includes indirect violation through devious activities to circumvent academic/professional regulations or procedures.
By entering my advanced education training program(s) at the School of Dental Medicine, I acknowledge the ethical expectations of the profession, and accept the concept of the School’s Code of Ethics and Honor System and to abide by its principles.
According to the World Health Organization, “health workers are at an increased risk of exposure to some communicable diseases because of their contact with patients or infective material in their working environment. There is also a risk that infected health workers could contribute to nosocomial transmission of disease to vulnerable patients at higher risk for severe illness, complications and death. Protection of health workers through vaccination is therefore an important part of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in health-care settings, as well as a cornerstone of occupational health and safety (OHS) programs.” (Implementation guide for vaccination of health workers. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022, Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.)
Students/residents are therefore required to provide proof of certain vaccinations as outlined below, and strongly encouraged to receive vaccination when the regulation requires vaccination or signed declination.
Students/residents in clinical programs and involved in direct patient care are subject to health requirements required of all UB students and of health majors. These may be found on UB’s Immunization and Health Requirements web page. Masters and PhD only students who are not in the dental clinics and are not involved in direct patient care, are required to meet Student Health requirements for all non-health major UB students.
The deadline for all new, incoming students/residents to submit required health documentation is July 1 for AEGD, Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Prosthodontics. The deadline for Biomaterials, Oral Pathology, Oral Biology, Oral Sciences, Periodontics, and Orofacial Pain is August 1.
Continuing students in Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and TMD and Orofacial Pain must complete the annual immunization review form for Student Health Services by August 1st each year. Details on the annual immunization review form can be found on the Annual Immunization Review Form web page.
Incoming AEGD residents must submit a health form to the School of Dental Medicine prior to starting their program. GME residents must provide any records or forms required by the Graduate Medical Education office. Requirements can be found on the GME Resident Occupational Health Policy web page.
This training is completed during orientation and off-cycle as needed. Students/residents must submit a copy of their BLS card to the UBLearns Post-Doc Compliance course.
Students/residents without BLS certification, or who have not received a medical exception, are denied patient care privileges. ACLS and PALS are not a substitute for BLS certification. It is the responsibility of the student/resident to be aware of when their BLS expires, take a course before their expiration date, and upload a copy of their new/current BLS cards to the UBLearns Post-Doc Compliance course.
Health certification of GME residents will be monitored by the Office of Graduate Medical Education. Salaried AEGD residents will utilize the SDM’s Health Background and Annual Health Assessment forms.
If you need to request a Leave of Absence, download and complete the form. Forms should be submitted to your program director.