About
The State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (UB SDM) stands as a pillar of oral health education, research, and comprehensive patient care in Western New York and beyond. Founded in 1892, it holds the distinction of being the fifth oldest dental school in the United States and is the sole public dental school in New York State. Its location at 320 Hayes Road on the university's South Campus in Buffalo anchors a tradition of excellence that seamlessly blends a rich historical legacy with cutting-edge innovation. The school operates not merely as an educational institution but as a vital healthcare provider, offering high-quality, affordable dental services to the community through its state-of-the-art patient clinics, where treatment is provided by dental students and residents under the close supervision of licensed, world-class faculty.
The mission of the UB School of Dental Medicine is tripartite: to educate outstanding dental professionals and scientists through a rigorous curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice; to conduct groundbreaking research that advances the science of dentistry and improves patient outcomes; and to provide exemplary clinical services to a diverse patient population, including underserved communities, thereby fulfilling a critical public service mandate. This integration of education, research, and service forms the core of its unique value proposition. Patients gain access to a depth of expertise rarely found in a private practice setting, benefiting from the collective knowledge of specialists across every discipline of dentistry who are also leaders in their academic fields. The care is meticulous and thorough, as each step is reviewed by supervising faculty, ensuring that patients receive treatment plans informed by the latest scientific advancements and clinical standards.
What truly sets the UB School of Dental Medicine apart is its environment of collaborative, multi-disciplinary care and its role as an innovation hub. It is home to renowned research centers, such as the Center for Dental Studies, which focuses on craniofacial and dental genetics, and conducts significant research in areas like biomaterials, pain management, and salivary diagnostics. This culture of inquiry directly translates to the clinic floor, where patients may have access to novel treatments and technologies in development. The school's pre-doctoral (DDS), advanced specialty (residency), and PhD programs attract top-tier talent, creating a dynamic atmosphere charged with intellectual curiosity and a commitment to progress.
Furthermore, the school distinguishes itself through its profound commitment to community outreach and public health. Through numerous outreach programs, mobile dental units, and partnerships with local organizations, faculty and students provide essential dental care to vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, refugees, and individuals with special needs. This dedication to service is a fundamental part of the student experience, instilling a lifelong ethic of community responsibility. For the patient, this means receiving care from a team deeply invested in holistic well-being and accessibility. The clinical facilities themselves, including the recently modernized clinics, feature advanced digital dentistry technologies—from CAD/CAM systems for same-day crowns to 3D imaging and digital intraoral scanners—ensuring efficient, precise, and comfortable care. The combination of historical prestige, academic rigor, research prowess, comprehensive care, a public service heart, and advanced technology makes the UB School of Dental Medicine an unparalleled resource for both the future of the dental profession and the oral health of the community it serves.
Additional Details
Specialization:
Comprehensive Dental Education and Multi-Specialty Patient Care. The school functions as both an accredited dental school (offering DDS and advanced residency programs) and a large-scale, multi-specialty dental clinic providing a full spectrum of general and specialty dental services to the public.
Years of Experience:
132
Education & Certifications:
The school is institutionally accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association. Its professional degree program leads to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Faculty dentists hold DDS or DMD degrees, along with advanced specialty certifications (e.g., MS, Certificate) in fields such as Orthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Prosthodontics, and Oral Sciences. Many are board-certified by their respective American Dental Specialty Boards.
Professional Memberships:
Faculty and students are typically members of major professional organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA), American Dental Education Association (ADEA), American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR), and various specialty associations (e.g., American Association of Orthodontists, American Academy of Periodontology). The school itself is a member of the American Dental Education Association.
Awards & Recognitions:
Recognized consistently as a top dental school for NIH research funding. Faculty regularly receive national awards for research, teaching, and service. The school's implant dentistry program has received acclaim. Specific, recent awards are numerous and variable; notable is the school's historical recognition for its research contributions in areas like pain and salivary diagnostics.
Pricing & Insurance:
Pricing is generally 30-50% less than typical private practice fees due to its educational mission. The clinic operates on a fee-for-service basis and accepts a wide range of dental insurance plans, including but not limited to Delta Dental, BlueCross BlueShield, Guardian, Cigna, and many others. It also participates in New York State Medicaid (for eligible services and age groups) and offers payment plans to manage out-of-pocket costs. Patients are advised to contact the billing office for the most current and specific information regarding their insurance.
Customer Reviews
6/16/23 I have been a patient here for 20 to 25 years. I had to have a rear tooth taken out. The team that took care of me were outstanding, professional, kind and explained everything in detail. My tooth had long curved roots and was stubborn, but the future Dentist persevered and was successful. I am thankful for his tenacity in the face of this challenging case and for the two assistants who were instrumental in the success. I would highly recommend.
Impossible to get an appt with them. Very rude receptionist!
After going through a three and a half hour root canal of one of my rear molars,my mouth having to remain open for the duration of this procedure I encountered a massive migraine the next day actually starting that evening. Well I wasn't able to make it back have the tooth finished and obviously it was lost so paying for something that was unfinished and then me being kicked out from a reason it was beyond my control I feel to be unfair and unprofessional. I admitted patient there for many years. As long as Medicaid paid for everything everything was fine money should never come before a patient's well-being be careful on which dentist you choose sometimes saving a little money isn't worth it. Good luck.
What a deal they get free people to work on, excuse me they get to charge people to experiment on and then if you don't follow their rules you get kicked out . Bedside manner wouldn't be a bad class to be taught to some of these people.
