Media Advisory: UB dental van providing free care in Buffalo in August

The S-Miles to Go dental van is a 42-foot-long, three-chair dental clinic outfitted with an X-ray imaging machine, a sanitization center and more. Photographer: Douglas Levere

Stephen Abel, associate dean for student, community and professional initiatives in the UB School of Dental Medicine

“It is our hope that through this event we can assist patients to identify a permanent dental home. ”

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University at Buffalo S-Miles to Go dental van will be providing free dental care throughout August to hundreds of members of the Western New York community.

The program, provided through a partnership with the New York State Dental Association, New York State Dental Foundation, and Seneca-Babcock Community Association, is available to people of all ages.

UB faculty and staff along with volunteer community dentists will perform a range of services, including exams, cleanings, fillings, sealants, fluoride treatments and extractions.

“The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is very pleased to bring our mobile dental van to the Hennepin and Seneca-Babcock community centers and address the immediate dental needs of residents in our communities, says Stephen Abel, DDS, associate dean for student, community and professional initiatives in the UB School of Dental Medicine.

“It is our hope that through this event we can assist patients to identify a permanent dental home.”

When: The program is scheduled from Aug. 5-30.

Treatment is available by appointment on a first come, first served basis. To register, call 716-829-2780 or 716-803-3699.

Where: From Aug. 5-23, the van will be stationed at the Hennepin Community Center at 24 Ludington St. in Buffalo.

From Aug. 24-30, the van will relocate to the Seneca-Babcock Arlene Mychajliw Community Center at 82 Harrison St. in Buffalo.

What: The S-Miles to Go dental van is a 42-foot-long, three-chair dental clinic outfitted with an X-ray imaging machine, a sanitization center and more. The clinic has served the community for more than 15 years, providing more than 38,000 patient visits.

Why: The mobile dental van provides crucial dental care to thousands of people in underserved communities each year, addressing oral health needs that may otherwise remain unmet, particularly among children and veterans.

The van also serves as an opportunity to train dental students and introduce them to the challenges facing patients in underserved communities.