Student Support
Pursuing a DDS degree requires a substantial investment of time, effort, intellectual energy and financial resources. At UB, we are keenly aware (and appreciative) of these investments. Whether you need help adjusting to dental school, or you just need someone to talk to, we’re here for you.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services supports student well-being and academic success by offering brief mental health care, educational programming, crisis response, and consultation for the campus community.
On This Page:
School of Dental Medicine Office of Student Affairs
- The SDM Office of Student Services provides a confidential setting where students can discuss personal issues.
- Topics can include adjusting to dental school, academic performance, coping with stress, personal relationships, enhancing self-esteem, managing anxiety, surviving grief and loss, and dealing with depression and/or loneliness.
- Many students utilize the Office of Student Affairs as a primary resource for guidance. However, the Office of Student Affairs does not serve in the capacity of a professional counselor. The SDM Office of Student Affairs refers students to UB Counseling Services, the campus entity responsible for providing professional student counseling.
- An embedded counselor is provided to the School of Dental Medicine by the UB Office of Counseling Services. The counselor holds office hours two days a week within the dental school and is also available three days a week at the UB Counseling Services in Michael Hall.
UB Office of Counseling Services
- UB Counseling Services is dedicated to supporting the personal well-being and academic success of students by providing a wide range of mental health services, including individual, group, and couples therapy, as well as psychiatric medication management, crisis intervention, educational programming, and consultation for the campus community.
- Students commonly seek support for academic stress, cultural adjustment, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal concerns.
- DDS students have full access to these services through the comprehensive health fee included in tuition. The office is staffed by licensed psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and psychiatric nurse practitioners.
- Counseling Services is committed to providing culturally responsive care and offering specialized support for BIPOC, international, and LGBTQ+ students. Therapy is also available in Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Korean, Hindi, and Marathi.
- Additionally, an embedded counselor is available specifically for UB School of Dental Medicine students, holding office hours two days per week within the dental school and three days per week at UB Counseling Services in Michael Hall.
LGBTQ+ Support
- UB is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.
- Specialized counselors trained in LGBTQ+ issues provide confidential support around topics such as identity development, coming out, relationships, and navigating discrimination.
- The university actively works to ensure that every student—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression—feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed both personally and professionally.
- The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) can provide you with support, information and assistance.
Students with Accessibility Needs
- UB Counseling Services is dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being and academic success of students with disabilities.
- Counselors collaborate closely with Accessibility Resources and other campus offices to ensure coordinated support and equitable access to services.
- Through individual counseling, group programs, and crisis intervention, students receive compassionate, strengths-based care designed to foster resilience, independence, and personal growth within an inclusive campus community.
Military and Veteran Programs
- Although not listed as a current VA Yellow Ribbon participant, UB proudly offers students tuition benefits commensurable to those of the Yellow Ribbon program.
- The VA Yellow Ribbon Program generally provides additional funding for students who are charged out-of-state tuition.
- Provisions in the Veteran Access to Care Act of 2014 require all public universities, such as UB, to offer in-state tuition to honorably discharged veterans and eligible dependents.
- Students must submit the Residency Application for New York State Tuition Purposes—Military form to the Student Accounts office in order to receive this benefit.
Personal Safety and Security
- UB University Police strive to provide police services that meet the specialized needs of our diverse and vibrant university community.
- Our key services include emergency response, crime prevention, criminal investigation and personal safety education. We are an internationally accredited police agency.
Spiritual Life
- UB supports the spiritual and religious well-being of its students as an integral part of personal growth and community life.
- The university welcomes individuals from all faiths, belief systems, and worldviews, encouraging open dialogue and mutual respect.
- Through the Office of Inclusive Excellence and partnerships with local faith communities, students have access to interfaith programming, meditation and prayer spaces, religious student organizations, and opportunities for service and reflection.
- Whether students are looking to explore their faith, connect with others who share their beliefs, or learn from diverse traditions, UB provides a supportive environment that nurtures spiritual development and belonging