The School of Dental Medicine last week unveiled a new Rural Dentistry Pilot Program to expand the school’s mobile school-based dental services into Alleghany and Cattaraugus counties.

The pilot program, launched with a ribbon cutting on March 20 in Cuba, N.Y., will bring dental care to geographically isolated areas and study approaches to overcoming barriers unique to rural, underserved regions. Despite the widespread knowledge of the importance of oral health and its implications, disparities are evident in dental care access, use and outcomes in rural America.

The dental school’s mobile clinic already serves patients in Chautauqua County.

The school received funding to introduce the program through the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources chaired by state Sen. Catherine Young, who represents the 57th district which includes Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Alleghany counties.

“The UB School of Dental Medicine is excited to participate in this program that will expand access to oral health care and increase dental student awareness of rural health issues,” says Michael Glick, professor and dean of the dental school.

“We are educating a group of future health care professionals, some of whom will ideally choose to practice and live in rural communities. At the University at Buffalo and the School of Dental Medicine, our purpose — our promise — is to reach others. It’s a promise that knows no boundaries.”