AOHAB’s global oral health leaders showcased community-based projects at the 2026 AADMD One Voice Conference.
The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) proudly showcased the impact of its Student Leadership in Global Oral Health (SLGOH) program at the 2026 American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) One Voice Conference, held June 4–7 in Dallas, Texas. Through poster presentations, mentorship opportunities, educational sessions, and leadership development activities, AOHAB participants demonstrated their commitment to improving oral health and advancing health equity in communities around the world.
The conference provided participants with opportunities to collaborate with leaders in medicine, dentistry, public health, and disability advocacy while gaining valuable insight into interdisciplinary care and the oral health needs of underserved populations.
AOHAB’s Leadership in Global Oral Health initiative develops future oral health leaders through monthly educational webinars, engagement with global leaders, and individualized mentorship. Participants design and implement community-based oral health projects while developing leadership, advocacy, and research skills, culminating in the presentation of their work at an academic conference.
“Experiences like the One Voice Conference provide our students with far more than knowledge,” said Dr. Deborah Weisfuse, President of AOHAB. “They gain mentorship, confidence, global perspective, and lifelong professional relationships. Most importantly, they return home inspired and equipped to create meaningful change in their communities.”
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of innovative community-based projects by AOHAB student leaders representing countries including Pakistan, Kenya, and the United Kingdom. Their projects focused on improving access to care for vulnerable populations, advancing preventive oral health education, promoting maternal and child oral health, strengthening community-based programs, and integrating oral health into broader public health initiatives.
The AOHAB experience began with a midday pizza gathering and guest lecture by Dr. David Fray, AOHAB Vice President, who introduced students to the interdisciplinary themes of the conference while sharing the rich history and culture of his home state, Texas. That evening, students, mentors, and invited guests gathered for a Welcome Dinner, creating an opportunity to build relationships and strengthen the global network that has become a hallmark of the leadership program.
Conference programming provided students with access to world-class speakers and thought leaders. A highlight was the Global Perspectives on Health Equity panel featuring healthcare leaders from Jamaica, the Philippines, Australia, Nigeria, and the United States, including Dr. Deborah Weisfuse, Wisdom Okere, Chief Dental Officer of Jamaica Irving McKenzie, AADMD President Dr. Vincent Ciacco and Dr. Vanessa Kiffin.
AOHAB was especially proud to see SLGOH 2023 graduate Wisdom Okereke serve as a featured panelist, sharing his experiences advancing oral health and health equity initiatives in Nigeria.
AOHAB was also especially proud to celebrate the success of Leadership in Global Oral Health participant Dr. Muhammad Ali, who earned Second Place in the conference’s poster competition for his presentation, “Transforming Oral Health Outcomes in Displaced Populations Through Culturally Responsive, Data-Driven Preventive Care.” The award recognized his innovative work to improve oral health outcomes among vulnerable and displaced populations through evidence-based, culturally responsive preventive care strategies.
“From the moment I joined AOHAB, I felt welcomed, supported, and inspired. The mentorship, guidance, and global community helped me grow both professionally and personally, and played a significant role in shaping my journey as an emerging oral health leader”, said Dr. Muhammad Ali.
Additional highlights included a keynote presentation by renowned disability health advocate Dr. Rick Rader, who shared his inspiring career journey and decades of advocacy work; an interdisciplinary educational session with Dr. David Fray and colleagues from the University of Texas; an oral health literacy workshop led by Dr. Holly Seabury, Executive Director at Delta Dental Foundation, and leadership roundtable discussions with distinguished healthcare professionals and conference faculty.
Students also enjoyed unique cultural experiences, including a memorable evening at the Fort Worth Rodeo, where they experienced an iconic Texas tradition while strengthening friendships and international connections.
Today, AOHAB proudly celebrates a growing network of 173 graduates who are improving oral health access, education, advocacy, and health equity in communities around the world.
AOHAB extends its sincere gratitude to COLGATE, its major sponsor, as well as SKYGEN and its many supporters whose generosity makes transformative educational experiences like this possible. Their commitment to developing future leaders is helping create a healthier future for communities worldwide.
About AOHAB
The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) is a global network of distinguished leaders in medicine, dentistry, and public health committed to improving global health through education, mentorship, collaboration, and service. Through innovative programs such as Leadership in Global Oral Health, AOHAB empowers young professionals to become future leaders while improving health outcomes in underserved communities around the globe.
