Armed with tiny, handheld mirrors and the keys to an 18-wheeler, UB dental faculty and students will travel to the heart of Buffalo to provide free dental screenings to nearly 300 people.

What’s in the truck? A semi-trailer transformed into a mini dental clinic with three fully equipped chairs, an X-ray machine and a sterilization area.

The program is part of Johnson & Johnson’s Campaign for Healthy Smiles, which aims to bring dental care to low income communities. The UB School of Dental Medicine was one of two schools chosen nationwide to participate in the pilot program.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 7 at True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 East Ferry St., Buffalo.

UB staff also will provide dental screenings inside the church using four portable dental chairs, while student volunteers use dinosaur puppets and other teaching aids to instruct children and adults on oral hygiene.

“We’re delighted with this new community collaboration between True Bethel and the UB School of Dental Medicine,” says Stephen Abel, associate dean for student affairs and community and professional initiatives. “Reaching out to the community and improving oral health care is an important part of our mission.”

All guests will be offered the opportunity to become a patient of UB Dental. Those who need emergency treatment can receive further care at the UB Dental clinics located in the Erie County Health Mall and in Squire Hall on the South Campus.

The program is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, UB Dental, UB’s Office of Community Relations and True Bethel Baptist Church.