Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders Gains Momentum to Improve Oral Health Globally at The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) and The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Conferences
New Orleans, March 24, 2024 – The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) made significant strides in its mission to enhance global oral health at two major conferences in March 2024: the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and the ADEA International Women’s Leadership Conference, was held in New Orleans, LA.
Attendees of the ADEA International Women’s Leadership Conference, engaged in discussions about global issues affecting women, gender equity, oral healthcare and research. During the two-day conference, Dr. Deborah Weisfuse, AOHAB President and AOHAB’s Student Leadership and Global Oral Health course graduates, Dr. Priyanka Gudsookar and Dr. Kiran Nagdeo, showcased two very impactful posters about the global leadership program which garnered substantial interest from oral health leaders at the conference.
AOHAB’s presence was highlighted by the first poster titled “Global Oral Health Leadership: Assessing Impact and Nurturing Future Leaders,” which demonstrated the program’s effectiveness in equipping future leaders with essential skills and insights. The poster depicted that over 98% of students reported meeting their expectations, improved understanding, and a willingness to recommend the program. The second poster, entitled “Student Leadership in Global Oral Health Initiatives”, outlined program objectives and goals. Both posters received praise and solicited an invitation for Dr. Deborah Weisfuse to present again next year.
Following several very successful Think Tank webinars, designed to cultivate a cutting-edge community interested in sharing ideas and innovation, the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders collaborated with the Global Oral Health Inequalities Research Network of the IADR to convene a hands-on workshop at the meeting entitled “Putting the Mouth Back in the Body: Giving It a Voice” on March 14, 2024. Moderated by AOHAB Think Tank Committee member, Dr. Peter Mossey, the workshop emphasized the importance of involving various groups, including academic, research, professional, and government bodies, alongside community representatives and patients to drive positive policy change for oral health.
Examples illustrating the impact of raising civil society’s awareness on oral health and holistic care issues, leading to policy changes, were presented by three distinguished doctors. These include public campaigns on sugar in Latin America, the Deamonte Driver case in Baltimore, and the public’s role in water fluoridation debates. These examples inspire action through civil society’s voice, and organizations like AOHAB can play a crucial role in raising awareness to implement changes in global oral health policies and perspectives.
Dr. Deborah Weisfuse, President of AOHAB, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed leaders in addressing global oral health and equity. “I am honored to have worked with such prominent leaders in working across silos to raise awareness and inspire collaborations to improve oral health in diverse communities for improved oral health worldwide,” she said.
Visit the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders website to learn more about who we are, our current initiatives and consider becoming part of our network of like-minded individuals and organizations who support each other in elevating the quality of oral health care on a global scale.
Contact:
About The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders:
The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders is a global network of distinguished leaders in medicine, dentistry and public health that leverage their collective experience to identify, problem solve, and share innovative projects in oral health that develop access to underserved communities. The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders mission is to improve oral health across geographic and cultural borders throughout the world, by promoting the importance of oral care as vital component of well-being in underserved communities. Additionally, the organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is recognized as a United Nations Civil Society Organization.
About IADR
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide. IADR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission.
About ADEA:
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is The Voice of Dental Education. Our mission is to lead and support the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals. Our members include all 80 accredited U.S. and Canadian dental schools, more than 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, more than 55 corporations and approximately 15,000 individuals. Our activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings and communications, including the esteemed Journal of Dental Education®, as well as the dental school application services ADEA AADSAS®, ADEA PASS®, ADEA DHCAS® and ADEA CAAPID®.
Contact: Jamie Pirowskin, Business Manager at info.aohab@gmail.com for more information.