Our Program
Gain a comprehensive overview of our IDP Program, including curriculum details, post-graduation career paths, and available research opportunities.
Why Choose UB School of Dental Medicine
- Choosing a school is a significant decision, and our institution offers a unique blend of academic rigor, a supportive community, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. This holistic approach to education helps us create well-rounded practitioners who are ready to make a positive impact on the world. Learn about the qualities that make our school special including:
- Our DDS Program is an exceptional value, providing an excellent education at a cost that is more affordable than most other major research universities.
- Our four-year DDS Program costs less than the average U.S. dental school. Source: Commission on Dental Accreditation, 2024-2025.
- At UB, you’ll have an opportunity to give back to the community around the city — and around the world.
- Our Buffalo Outreach and Community Assistance student organization promotes oral health education, and provides free dental care to those in need.
- We encourage you to get involved and see how you can make a difference for others.
- The DDS curriculum begins with a thorough education in normal organ systems and anatomy, then progresses through abnormal pathology, patient treatment and clinical subjects.
- By the third and fourth years, you will spend more time on clinical subjects, preparing for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination and choosing a specialty area based on your professional interests and goals.
- Students begin patient care earlier in our DDS program than at most other dental schools—but still with careful support and under direct faculty supervision.
- Clinical training begins in the first year and continues throughout the program, including three half-days each week in the clinic in the spring semester of second year, working closely with four to eight patients.
- Health professionals have, for some time now, realized that patient care is improved and safer for patients when numerous providers are engaged in their care.
- During your D4 year, you will have the opportunity to work with other health care students from medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and social work, to create a total patient treatment plan and earn a micro-credential that will be permanently attached to your transcripts.
- During the program, students are exposed to various postgraduate specialty programs where they meet with faculty mentors and current residents to gain valuable insights.
- By rotating through different departments within our school, you will gain a better understanding of your own preferences and identify your academic and personal goals.
- Applicants do not need to identify their intended career path during our application process. We have several students who change their professional interests during dental school.
- Students also have the opportunity to conduct research and learn about careers in private industry.
- Graduating with a DDS degree offers diverse career paths including private practice or solo practices as part of practice groups.
- Career opportunities are found in fields like military service, public health, academia and industry.
- Most DDS graduates pursue postgraduate training, and at UB, we prioritize helping our students identify and select postgraduate programs that prepare them to be successful in their careers.
- Between 85-90% of our DDS graduates match with their first or second choice of residency program
- The UB School of Dental Medicine fosters an environment where each individual is respected and valued.
- We strive to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, where individuals from all backgrounds feel empowered to achieve their greatest potential.