Dr. Robert J. Genco School of Dental Medicine Speakers Series Fund

Named for a world-renowned researcher, this fund supports a forum for discussions regarding oral and general health.

The Robert J. Genco Distinguished Speaker Series Fund honors a well-known researcher in oral science and a tireless advocate for interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurship. Dr. Genco spent more than 50 years at UB before he died unexpectedtly in 2019.

This speaker series, which he suggested, provides a forum for the discussion of the fundamental and applied research basis for preservation and restoration of oral and general health.

Lauded by the Journal of Dental Research as the “father of oral science,” Dr. Genco was arguably the world’s leading periodontal researcher and a pioneer in advancing the study of how oral health impacts overall health. He and his colleagues were among the first to report a connection between gum disease and heart disease, stroke and several cancers, and led studies that linked periodontitis to diabetes and obesity.

Genco also was highly regarded as a teacher and mentor, serving as a mentor to more than 80 graduate and postdoctoral students, many of whom are now leaders in academia, industry and government research institutions.

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Other Dental Medicine Funds

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Post-Graduate Prosthodontic Fund
8/24/26
Dental students studying prosthodontics at UB’s School of Dental Medicine receive support through this fund.
UB Fund for the School of Dental Medicine
8/24/26
The UB School of Dental Medicine plays a critical role in advancing oral health in Buffalo-Niagara and around the world through its academic programs, research and community outreach. The UB Fund for the provides general support for the school.
Dr. Alan J. Drinnan Fund
8/24/26
Shortly after Dr. Alan Drinnan DDS '64 died unexpectedly, this fund was established to honor his memory, and provide financial assistance for students in the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences.
Ortho Clinic Renovation Fund
8/24/26
The UB School of Dental Medicine is undergoing a modernization for the first time since moving to Squire Hall in 1986.
Dental School Scholarship Fund
8/24/26
Scholarships are an essential part of attracting and retaining top students, and ensuring that all students have access to an exceptional dental education.
Sandford B. Sugarman Memorial Fund for Continuing Dental Education
8/24/26
Established in 1980, the Sandford B. Sugarman Memorial Fund for Continuing Dental Education provide dental symposiums in memory of Sandford B. Sugarman.
Oral Biology Graduate Student Research Fund
8/24/26
The Department of Oral Biology, part of the School of Dental Medicine, supports basic and clinical research directed to solve important problems affecting oral and general health.
Class of 1980 David Foti Memorial Award
8/24/26
Established in memory of Dr. David Foti, `80 by his classmates in the UB School of Dental Medicine Class of 1980, this fund supports an annual award to a student who has just completed their first year of dental school, and who displays strong spirit and character.
Oral and Maxillofacial Residency Program
8/24/26
The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, part of the School of Dental Medicine, provides the full-scope of resident training for residents within the program. This fund supports the residency program, which offers residents independence and hands-on surgical training along with a strong emphasis on academics and evidence-based learning.
UB Dental - Patient Care Fund
8/24/26
The Patient Care Fund provides general assistance to patients who receive care through UB Dental.
UB Global Miles for Smiles Fund
8/24/26
At the School of Dental Medicine, we believe that education and oral health should be available for all people around the world. Our Global Miles for Smiles program delivers free dental care and education to refugees and others in need throughout the world. Under the leadership of Dr. Othman Shibly, Miles for Smiles is training volunteers and teachers at refugee camps in Lebanon to perform basic education and oral health care.
Thomas C. Labenski Scholarship Endowment Fund
8/24/26
Established in 1996 by Dr. Leonard Yee and Dr. Martha L. Cortes, this fund provides annual awards to third-year students in the School of Dental Medicine at the University at Buffalo.
Dr. Paul R. Crombach Scholarship Fund
8/24/26
The family, friends, patients and colleagues of Paul Crombach, '71, created this endowed fund in his name to be used for an annual student award at the School of Dental Medicine.
Steven M. Robbins Memorial Scholarship Fund
8/24/26
This fund provides an annual scholarship to a third-year dental student at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine who is involved in both class and school affairs, and has an academic standing in the top third of the class.

Established in 1993 by Dr. Barry A. Ruchlin and Dr. Frederic M. Hirsh, the scholarship is in memory of Steven M. Robbins.
Maryanne Mather Fund
8/24/26
The Maryanne Mather Fund provides annual scholarships for one or two dental students who have conducted research in the area of periodontics or preventative dentistry.
Dr. Arnold Stern Fund in Endodontics
8/24/26
Research opportunities allow dental students to hone their skills, explore new interests and make vital contributions to the field of dental medicine.
Class of 1949 Endowment
8/24/26
The Class of 1949 Endowment, established in 1990 by the School of Dental Medicine Class of 1949, provides annual financial aid to a fourth-year student who is well-rounded and places in the top one-third of their class in academic standing.
Dental Medicine Class of 1964 Endowed Scholarship Fund
8/24/26
The Dental Medicine Class of 1964 Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Dr. Charles A. Smith II to provide annual scholarships to students of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. John J. Cunat Fund
8/24/26
Dr. John Cunat served for 40 years at UB — so it's fitting that the fund named in his honor continues to support educational events at the university.
Dr. Robert J. Genco School of Dental Medicine Speakers Series Fund
8/24/26
The Robert J. Genco Distinguished Speaker Series Fund honors a well-known researcher in oral science and a tireless advocate for interdisciplinary research and entrepreneurship. Dr. Genco spent more than 50 years at UB before he died unexpectedtly in 2019.
SDM Centennial Endowed Chair
8/24/26
Established by Dr. Barry A. Ruchlin and Dr. Earl I. Ullman, the SDM Endowed Chair fund is used to recruit and/or retain outstanding faculty for the betterment of UB’s School of Dental Medicine.

News from the School of Dental Medicine

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Lattman, Liu, Morrow and Ruhl elected AAAS fellows
11/24/20
Four UB professors have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world's largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science.
Give Kids A Smile Day set for February
1/16/20
The UB School of Dental Medicine will welcome hundreds of Western New York children who lack access to dental care to receive free oral health care, hearing and vision exams, and other health services.
UB-led team developing 3D-printed, reusable N95-like respirators
5/5/20
Prototype submitted for emergency FDA approval; could help ease shortage of life-saving PPE.
UB dental van providing no cost care in Buffalo through October
9/4/20
The University at Buffalo S-Miles to Go dental van will provide free dental care to people of all ages in the Western New York community through Oct. 30.
Helping Women Climb the Academic Ladder
8/3/22
Through her own experiences, Mirdza Neiders, PMCert '74 knew the importance of women receiving a college education. Now, she's giving back to elevate women in academics even further.
Patricia Diaz named director of UB’s Microbiome Center
9/4/20
Patricia Diaz, Professor of Empire Innovation in the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, has been named the new director of the UB Microbiome Center.
2020 in review: How UB’s faculty, staff and students fought COVID-19
12/18/20
Members of the UB community found an abundance of ways to fight the pandemic in Western New York and beyond.