Dr. Philip B. Wels Outstanding Service Award: University at Buffalo Dental Alumni Association

Since its inception in 1892, the University at Buffalo Dental Alumni Association has continued to serve the university, academia, the community and the profession. Its active partnership with the UB Alumni Association has recently expanded to offer dual membership for its affiliates.

Much of the group's benevolent endeavors relate to the Buffalo Niagara Dental Meeting (BNDM), the association's annual cornerstone event and the 15th largest of its kind. Now in its 33rd year, approximately 2,900 dentists, students, faculty, industry representatives and other dental professionals attend and participate in a wide array of continuing education seminars presented by world-class lecturers. The association has worked diligently to develop an image for the meeting that positively reflects on the university's reputation in health care education, research and service, in addition to providing an economic boost to the area.

The BNDM is largely offered as a service to the UB dental alumni, many of whom are returning to participate in class reunion activities. The meeting culminates in a dinner dance honoring five-year classes, with special recognition given to those celebrating landmarks such as 50-year anniversaries. This social event encourages a positive recollection of their education, an optimistic outlook and support for the future of the profession.

A non-profit organization, the association's revenues provide financial support to improve the School of Dental Medicine's communications and development endeavors with alumni and enhance its ability to attract the best faculty to perform cutting-edge research and instruction. Students also benefit from the association's scholarships, travel to research conferences, a student loan fund, social and educational events, and the school's outreach program, "BOCA," which provides care to the underserved around the world and at home.

Membership in the UB Dental Alumni Association numbers almost 1,700 and is supported largely by efforts of dedicated volunteers. The School of Dental Medicine and its alumni have earned worldwide recognition among health care professionals and academia. Together, they play a vital role in the University at Buffalo and Western New York communities.