School of Dental Medicine unveils renovated orthodontics clinic

Since the School of Dental Medicine’s orthodontics clinic opened in 1986 in Squire Hall, it has provided the path to beautiful smiles for roughly 25,000 children and adults.

Part of the larger UB Dental Clinic, it underwent a two-year, $2.9 million transformation, which was officially unveiled on April 1 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour. Approximately 60 guests attended, a mix of UB faculty and leadership, alumni and donors.

The 4,184-square-foot space also was officially named in honor of C. Brian Preston, who chaired the Department of Orthodontics from 1997 to 2014. He died in 2015 at age 77.

The dental school, which was recently ranked 9th in the country by QS World University Rankings by Subject, will continue to advance its reputation with innovations such as this impressive new clinic, noted Marcelo Araujo, dean of the dental school.

“The orthodontics department was guided by the strong foundation Dr. Preston built over his career in the School of Dental Medicine,” Araujo said. “His legacy lives on, not just in the beautiful space named in his honor, but in our orthodontists who take what they accomplish here in this outstanding learning environment and use it to improve patient lives.”

The renovated clinic boasts a well-lit, inviting, open-concept design; brand-new equipment; and the latest advancements in digital technology. Other updates include two consultation rooms and a dedicated room for residents.

“With 20 modern dental units and dedicated support areas, we now have a true one-stop clinical environment,” said Thikriat Al-Jewair, L.B. Badgero Endowed Chair and associate professor in the orthodontics department who oversees the clinical program. “This allows us to improve workflow, increase efficiency and, most importantly, enhance the patient experience.”

Paul Ziarnowski, an alumnus and former UB faculty member, spearheaded the naming campaign in memory of his good friend and colleague.

Ziarnowski, who took over as interim department chair when Preston became ill in 2015, recalled the lasting impact Preston’s leadership had on the department, as well as the family atmosphere he developed within it.

During the 1990s, orthodontics programs required mandatory recertification and more rigorous clinical standards, Ziarnowski explained during the ceremony.

“Brian took this opportunity to expand the program,” Ziarnowski said. “The clinic got bigger, and we went from five residents to 16. But the family atmosphere of our department didn’t change.”

Al-Jewair saw Preston’s innovative leadership firsthand, as one of his students and mentees.

“He was an inspiring leader — a world-class researcher — and a firm believer in the future of orthodontics,” Al-Jewair said. “But beyond his remarkable professional accomplishments, he taught us something even more lasting: the importance of approaching both our work and our lives with curiosity, discipline and purpose.

She noted that Preston was more than an orthodontist and educator. He was also a pilot.

“Dr. Preston often drew a parallel between orthodontics and aviation,” she said. “Just as a pilot charts a course before takeoff, an orthodontist develops a thoughtful plan to guide patients toward their best outcomes. In both fields, small, precise adjustments can make a profound difference.”

Preston’s daughter, Bridgette Preston Gianturco, wrapped up the ceremony by thanking the people who made the naming campaign possible.

“It is a tremendous privilege to speak in this amazing place and community resource, and to have this beautiful, progressive clinic named for my father,” she said. “It was truly a place he loved to be.”

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