Donor Duo Supports New Dental Medicine Center

By Cory Nealon

The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine officially unveiled the Buhite-DiMino Center for Implant Dentistry and Advanced Dental Education on April 12.

Made possible by a gift from long-time dental faculty member Robert Buhite Sr., DDS, and friend and patient Frank DiMino, the 6,000-square-foot center began seeing patients last November. The Buhite-DiMino Center for Implant Dentistry and Advanced Dental Education represents the mission and vision of its namesakes, and is located on the first floor of Squire Hall on UB’s South Campus.

It includes six surgical suites–two of which have audio-visual monitors to broadcast surgical procedures for students–that are equipped state-of-the-art technology. It also has four dental units for screenings, consultations and other implant dentistry and oral health services. Each unit has a computer station and X-ray unit.

The idea behind the center is to promote interdisciplinary education for dental professionals, advance clinical research, and provide equal access to quality and comprehensive care to the Western New York community.

“The Buhite-DiMino Center for Implant Dentistry and Advanced Dental Education is an incredible facility that is accelerating the swift academic and clinical growth of implant dentistry at UB,” says Stefan Ruhl, interim dean of the School of Dental Medicine. “Thanks to our generous supporters–Dr. Robert Buhite, Sr. and Mr. Frank DiMino – we have a space that will keep UB at forefront of oral health care in Western New York for years to come.”

Buhite specializes in implant dentistry; DiMino donated $2 million toward the center. It is part of a $25 million renovation of the school’s pre-clinical simulation center and patient clinics.