Walking onto the University at Buffalo’s South Campus feels like stepping onto a movie set from the 1920s. There’s all that ivy, the limestone, and that specific academic stillness. But then you hit Squire Hall University at Buffalo. It’s a massive, imposing building that basically serves as the heart and soul of the UB School of Dental Medicine. Honestly, if you’ve lived in Buffalo for a while, you probably know it as the place where you can get dental work done for a fraction of the price of a private practice, but there’s way more going on inside those walls than just root canals and cleanings.
It wasn't always a dental school. That's the part that trips people up. Originally, this place was the Norton Union. It was the student hub. Imagine 1950s college life—leather jackets, smoking lounges, and student government meetings. In the 1980s, the university decided to flip the script. They did a massive $28 million renovation to turn a student union into one of the most technologically dense dental facilities in the country. It’s a weird architectural marriage. You have these classic, old-school exterior lines housing some of the most advanced 3D imaging and robotic surgery tools in modern medicine.
Why Squire Hall University at Buffalo Matters for the Community
Most people find their way to Squire because of the clinics. It's a lifesaver. Let’s be real: dental insurance in the U.S. is often a joke, and for the residents of University Heights and the broader Western New York area, the UB Dental clinics are a vital resource.
When you walk into the first-floor admissions area, it feels clinical but busy. You aren't just a patient here; you're part of a teaching ecosystem. You’ll see fourth-year students looking slightly caffeinated and very focused, working under the literal shoulder-to-shoulder supervision of world-class faculty. It’s slower than a regular dentist visit—be prepared to sit there for a while because every step is checked and double-checked—but the quality is top-tier. They handle everything from basic fillings to complex maxillofacial prosthetics.
The Research Powerhouse Inside
It’s not just about pulling teeth. Squire Hall is a research titan.
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The building houses the South Campus Instrument Center and various labs where they are doing things like testing how biofilms interact with new synthetic materials. We’re talking about the science of why implants fail and how to make them last forty years instead of ten. Dr. Robert Genco, a legend in the field who passed away recently, did pioneering work here that linked gum disease to systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes. That’s a huge deal. It changed how doctors and dentists talk to each other.
The building also holds the History of Dentistry Museum. It’s kind of tucked away, and honestly, it’s a little creepy if you aren't into old medical tools. They have these foot-pedal drills from the 1800s that look like something out of a horror flick. But it’s a cool reminder of how far we've come. You can see the evolution of the dental chair from a wooden stool to the high-tech, ergonomic units they use upstairs in the clinics today.
Navigating the Building and the System
If you’re heading there for the first time, parking is the worst. Just being honest. The South Campus is notorious for its parking permits and the "blue" and "white" lot distinctions. If you're a patient, make sure you get your permit validated or use the designated patient spots near the Main Street entrance, or the campus police will absolutely ticket you.
Once you’re inside, the layout is a bit of a maze.
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- The ground floor is mostly administrative and some basic clinics.
- The upper floors are where the "cubicle" clinics live—rows and rows of dental stations.
- The basement houses some of the heavy-duty tech and support services.
The school is currently pushing into "digital dentistry." They've integrated CAD/CAM technology where they can scan your mouth, design a crown on a computer, and mill it right there in the building. It’s a far cry from the messy putty impressions we all grew up with.
What People Get Wrong About Student Clinics
There’s this lingering myth that going to Squire Hall University at Buffalo means you’re a "guinea pig." That’s just not how it works. These students have spent thousands of hours in "sim labs"—which are also in the building—before they ever touch a human patient. In the sim lab, they work on manikins called "Phantoms." If a student can’t perfectly prep a molar on a Phantom, they aren't getting anywhere near your mouth. Plus, the faculty members are often the ones who wrote the textbooks other dentists are reading. You're getting expert-level oversight.
The Architecture: More Than Just Bricks
Architecturally, the building is a landmark. It’s part of the wider "Buffalo Plan" designed by E.B. Green. The limestone facade is meant to evoke a sense of permanence and tradition. When you stand in the courtyard between Squire and Abbott Hall, you get this incredible echo. It’s a favorite spot for students to hang out during the twenty minutes of Buffalo summer we get every year.
Inside, the renovation kept some of the high ceilings and wide corridors of the old union, which makes it feel less claustrophobic than your typical dental office. However, the transition from the "grand" public spaces to the "sterile" clinical spaces is abrupt. One minute you're looking at ornate woodwork, the next you're under LED surgical lights.
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The Future of Squire Hall
The university is constantly pouring money into this place. They recently updated the pre-clinical simulation center, which is basically a high-tech playground for dental students. It features 80 stations equipped with digital intraoral scanners and advanced software. This ensures that when these students graduate and move to practices in Amherst, Orchard Park, or across the country, they already know the tech that won't be "standard" for another five years.
They are also focusing more on "interprofessional education." This basically means they are bringing in nursing students and pharmacy students to work alongside the dental students in Squire. The idea is that the mouth isn't a separate entity from the rest of the body. If a dentist at Squire sees signs of hypertension or oral cancer, there’s a direct pipeline to the rest of the UB health sciences network.
Actionable Insights for Visitors and Prospective Patients
If you are planning to utilize the services at Squire Hall University at Buffalo, keep these specific steps in mind to avoid the typical headaches:
- Initial Screening: You can’t just walk in for a filling. You have to book a "screening appointment" first. This is where they determine if your needs match the educational requirements of the students. It’s a $30-$50 investment usually, but it saves you time later.
- Time Commitment: Block out at least 3 hours for any appointment. Because a faculty member has to sign off on every single step (from the numbing to the final polish), things move at a snail's pace compared to a private office.
- Records Transfer: If you have X-rays from a previous dentist, get them sent digitally to
ubdental@buffalo.edubefore you show up. It prevents them from having to blast you with more radiation and saves you the cost of new films. - Emergency Care: If you have a dental emergency (swelling, extreme pain), show up early. The emergency clinic operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and the sign-in sheet fills up fast, often before 9:00 AM.
- The "Secret" Museum: Even if you aren't a patient, the History of Dentistry Museum is usually accessible during business hours. Just ask the front desk where it's located; it’s one of the coolest, most overlooked spots on the South Campus.
Squire Hall remains a cornerstone of the UB experience and a critical anchor for the city of Buffalo. It’s a place where 1920s grandeur meets 2026 medical technology, and it’s well worth a look, whether you need a checkup or just a dose of local history.