Dr. John J. Cunat Fund

Orthodontist working with a mouth model for a retainer fitting.

World-renowned experts in orthodontics speak at UB through the support of this fund.

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.

The Dr. John J. Cunat fund, established by anonymous alumni and friends of the schol, is used by the Dean of the School of Dental Medicine and the Chair of the Department of Orthodontics to sponsor an annual lecture, usually concurrent with the graduation of postgraduate students in orthodontics, in the spring of each year.

Past lectures have covered a wide range of topics within orthodontics, including contemporary approaches to orthodontics, digital planning for orthognathic treatment, temporary anchorage devices, mini implants and clinical applications. The event is designed to appeal to both current residents as well as established clinicians.

Dr. Cunat joined UB shortly after the orthodontics department was established as the dental school’s first post-graduate specialty program. The fund was established in 1995, following Dr. Cunat's retirement. Dr. Cunat passed away in 2016.

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Other Dental Medicine Funds

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
UB Dental - Patient Care Fund
8/24/26
The Patient Care Fund provides general assistance to patients who receive care through UB Dental.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Post-Graduate Prosthodontic Fund
8/24/26
Dental students studying prosthodontics at UB’s School of Dental Medicine receive support through this fund.
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.
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.
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.

News from the School of Dental Medicine

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Honoring their Father: Samuel A. Caccamise
5/10/20
Family members of Samuel A. Caccamise (DDS '26) have gathered together to honor their father by giving a significant gift to name an operatory after him.
UB launches the Cancer Research Consortium
12/16/20
The first meeting of the UB Cancer Research Consortium was held virtually on Dec. 10.
Gum disease-causing bacteria borrow growth molecules from neighbors to thrive
12/29/20
The human body is filled with friendly bacteria. These peaceful bacteria engage in a one-sided relationship with pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis, helping the germ multiply and cause gum disease, according to a new UB study.
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 spinoff awarded grant to advance medicinal toothpaste
6/8/20
The UB School of Dental Medicine and OptiMed Technology were awarded a manufacturing grant from the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund to accelerate the development of their products to the market.
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.
Century-old drug repurposed to fight ulcers
5/11/20
Suramin, a 100-year old drug used to treat sleeping sickness, has been repurposed to fight oral mucositis and diabetic foot ulcers.