The University at Buffalo (UB) Mobile Dental Unit, which has provided dental care to children in Chautauqua County for over 20 years, is now searching for a new funding source. The program, currently funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, will lose this support by December, as the foundation shifts its focus to start-up programs.
Local health leaders, including Chautauqua County Public Health Director Lacey Wilson, are working with state Senator George Borrello and County Executive PJ Wendel to secure alternative funding. The mobile unit, which serves about 1,200 students annually, provides essential dental services to children who lack access due to insurance or geographic barriers.
Despite the funding challenge, Wilson assured that services will continue without interruption as the new school year begins. UB’s Dean of the School of Dental Medicine, Marcelo W. B. Araujo, remains optimistic about finding new financial backing, noting ongoing discussions with county and state officials.
Senator Borrello and County Executive Wendel have expressed strong support for the program, highlighting its importance in rural areas where access to dental care is limited. The mobile unit, which also serves Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, has handled over 80,000 patient visits since its inception in 1997.
As officials work to secure the program’s future, there is hope that the mobile dental unit will continue to provide critical oral health care to vulnerable populations while offering valuable training for UB dental students.
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