World

UB Dental Program aims to Increase the Number of Native American Dentists

Published

7 years ago

July 11, 2019

Not many Native American Students study dentistry. And it is becoming a growing concern. This year 10,500 students applied to attend dental school in the United States. And only 16 of those were Native Americans according to the American Dental Education Association.

An initiative to increase the number of students studying dentistry called the NAPD Student Gateway Program was started by two institutions. And the Native American Pre Dental Student Gateway is taken by the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and Seneca Nation Health System. It aims to reduce the disparity by introducing the Native American students to Dentistry.

Joseph Salamon is the DDS, program director, dental services director for Seneca Nation Health Services and also the clinical instructor in the UB school of Dental Medicine. And he said – “Simply, put there are not enough Native American students pursuing a career in dentistry.”

He also added- “The program seeks to encourage and enhance Native American application to dental school through exposure to various aspects of professional dental education with the goal of diversifying the pre dental application pool and extending educational opportunity to the historically underrepresented Native American Community.”

According to Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, such programs help in lifting the number of native dentists. This program gives many students a week long internship, where they practice various disciplines and specialities within the dental profession. This program is in second year now. And this year it took place from June 24 to June 28. Many Students took crash courses in dentistry and learnt clinical techniques.

Not just that, they also participated in oral surgery boot camp and toured local health care product manufacturers. And the interested students also received guidance from current dental students.

The program was effective this year because it attracted Native American students. And it drew 5 students from Idaho, Kansas, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

“This Program is a unique dental school pipeline in the United States. Reaching out to Native American communities not only enhances the diversity of our student body, but also expands the number of caregivers sensitive to the unique oral health issues amongst this community.”- . And it is what Stephen Abel, DDS, associate dean for student, community and professional initiatives in the UB School of Dental Medicine said.

World

Swiss International University Makes Global Impact with Top 500 Times Higher Education Ranking

Published

4 weeks ago

June 24, 2026

Jenny Jackson

Swiss International University (SIU) got a real kind of milestone , when it landed inside the worlds top 500 universities in the newest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. Which is kind of huge because it is SIU’s first time appearing in those widely respected rankings, and it also shows how its influence keeps growing in international higher education.

SIU was competing with nearly 2,000 universities from different parts of the world, and that first debut basically underlines its dedication to academic quality, sustainability and a real societal footprint. Overall it seems like the result mirrors SIU’s own plan for delivering solid education , while also aligning with bigger global development objectives.

Now, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings look at universities through what they do for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , or SDGs. So the assessment is about universities creating verifiable positive change through education, research, community activities, plus governance— not just statements.

One of SIU’s strongest areas was the recognition tied to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In that section, SIU placed roughly within the top 100 to 200 universities worldwide, and that points to its focus on advancing ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and those institutional values that actually stick.

This recognition shows SIU keeps working hard to get students ready, with the know-how , the ability to act and those ethical foundations, so they can face tangled global problems. And you know, by supporting responsible leadership and pushing for good social results, the university keeps building up its part in shaping the next generation of professionals and people who make real decisions

Key Highlights of SIU’s Achievement

• Ranked Among the World’s Top 500 Universities

In its first-ever participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, SIU managed to land a spot among the top 500 universities worldwide.

• Outstanding Performance in SDG 16

SIU reached a ranking in the top 100 to 200 range, across the globe, for its work related to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

• Strengthening Global Academic Presence

This win also reinforces SIU’s long-term vision, and it further tightens its standing as an emerging influence in international higher education.

Recognition from Times Higher Education is an important endorsement of SIU’s mission, to give accessible high-quality education while also making a positive impact in society. As the university keeps expanding its academic offerings and international reach, this milestone , works like a solid base for what comes next—future growth, more innovation, and that global recognition everyone is aiming for.