Media Advisory: School of Dental Medicine celebrates newly renovated orthodontics clinic in April 1 ceremony

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is celebrating the completion of extensive renovations to its orthodontics clinic within the large UB Dental Clinic with a naming ceremony and tour on Wednesday, April 1, at 5 p.m. on the first floor of Squire Hall on the South Campus.

This marks the first major renovation to the clinic that opened when Squire Hall was built in 1986. The $2.9 million renovation project, designed by the architecture firm BKP, began in 2024 and wrapped up at the beginning of this year.

The updated 4184-square-foot clinic will be named for C. Brian Preston, a former department chair who passed away in 2015 at age 77.

“Dr. Preston was instrumental in establishing the orthodontics program’s excellent reputation for advanced study,” says Marcelo Araujo, DDS, PhD, dean of the dental school. “We are honored to pay tribute to his legacy through this impressive new clinic, which will offer our students and patients the best in modern orthodontic care.”

Araujo and other dental school leaders, along with UB Provost Scott Weber, will provide remarks.

What: Ribbon-cutting and naming ceremony celebrating official opening of renovated orthodontics clinic within the UB Dental Clinic

Who:

• Marcelo Araujo, dean, School of Dental Medicine
• Scott Weber, provost, University at Buffalo
• Thikriat Al-Jewair, L.B. Badgero Endowed Chair, Department of Orthodontics
• Paul Ziarnowski, DDS ’77, former faculty member
• Bridgette Preston Gianturco, daughter of C. Brian Preston  

When: Wednesday, April 1, from 5 to 6 p.m.

Where: UB Dental Clinic, first floor of Squire Hall, on UB’s South Campus. Free parking is available in the Squire Lot next to the building.

Background: Paul Ziarnowski, DDS, dental school alumnus and former faculty member, spearheaded the campaign to name the clinic in honor of Preston.

The modernized facility features 20 treatment chairs, two private consultation rooms, a dedicated resident room, X-ray room, reception area and state-of-the-art dental units.

Thikriat Al-Jewair, DDS, L.B. Badgero Endowed Chair and associate professor in the Department of Orthodontics, oversees the clinical program in which faculty and students treat approximately 700 to 800 patients annually.

“The renovations are part of the dental school’s commitment to excellence and providing enhanced education, training and patient care experiences,” Al-Jewair says. “I’m excited that we have this beautiful, modern space that allows efficient treatment and matches our reputation for excellent clinical care and resident training.”

The UB Dental orthodontic clinic is currently accepting new patients. Interested individuals may call 716-829-2845 to schedule a screening appointment.

Contacts on the day of the event:

Edward Morrison, assistant dean and chief marketing officer
School of Dental Medicine
Email: edwardmo@buffalo.edu
Phone: 716-955-0393

Sarah Smykowski, associate director, communications and web
School of Dental Medicine
Email: smmachaj@buffalo.edu
Phone:  716-725-2908

Laurie Kaiser, news content manager
University Communications
Email: lrkaiser@buffalo.edu
716-809-0583