Students from all over the world choose UB for their U.S. dental education. Learn about their experiences at the UBSDM, how they navigated the transition to practicing dentistry in the United States, and what makes our community so vibrant and inclusive!
Check out these channels to get a glimpse of life at the UB School of Dental Medicine!
Vandana Bali, IDP Class of 2027, is a dedicated dental professional with over 18 years of clinical, academic, and community service experience, She began her career after graduating from Government Dental College, Patiala in 2001. Her work has spanned private practice, teaching in Oral Surgery and Endodontics, and leading outreach initiatives delivering care to underserved communities through mobile dental programs.
In 2019, Vandana relocated to Canada to support her family’s future, demonstrating resilience by rebuilding her career as a dental hygienist after completing training at the Canadian National Institute of Health. Now a D.D.S. candidate in the Class of 2027 at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Vandana brings a deep commitment to patient-centered care, lifelong learning, and service—guided by gratitude, perseverance, and a passion for dentistry.
Surya Sowjanya Doranala, IDP Class of 2027, earned her BDS and MDS in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics in India, building a strong foundation in clinical care and patient management.
She has demonstrated a strong commitment to service, previously serving as a Blood Donor Ambassador for the American Red Cross and volunteering with the American Cancer Society—experiences that reflect her dedication to compassionate care and public health.
At UB, Surya serves as Vice President of the Endodontics Club, where she helps organize clinical discussions and fosters interest in endodontics among her peers. She is also actively involved in supporting international students as they transition into dental school. Through her Instagram page, she shares insights into dental school life, clinical experiences, and the IDP application process—providing motivation and guidance to aspiring dentists navigating their own journeys.
Leena Garg is an IDP Alumni. Where her passion ushers her into dentistry, her compassion makes her give back to society. She ran a community mobile campaign called Tooth Carvers in India for a decade. Apart from serving patients, she has helped more than 500 international dentists secure admissions to U.S. DDS programs as the Director of CAAPID Simplified. Also, she is a member of our ASDA Committee and the secretary of the GSSA club.
Feel free to follow Leena's journey on her Instagram page. You can also follow the CAAPID Simplified YouTube page to see some more of her content!
