The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) proudly brought a dynamic cohort of young global oral health leaders to the 2025 American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) One Voice Conference, held June 5–8 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.
The AOHAB “Student Leadership in Global Oral Health” initiative aims to inspire and develop future leaders dedicated to addressing the global burden of oral diseases. Through this program, students not only participate in monthly webinars but also receive one-on-one mentorship on their own community oral health initiatives. This mentorship offers a unique opportunity for students to gain valuable insights, guidance, and support as they develop impactful local community projects worldwide.
Attending the AADMD Conference gave these young leaders invaluable insights into the oral health challenges faced by individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
Additional benefits of the program include:
- Developing a global perspective on multicultural issues.
- Building a peer network of alumni with shared interests to foster ongoing professional relationships.
AOHAB showcased innovative posters from 13 global student leaders representing the countries including India, Iraq, Zambia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Germany, Rwanda, and the United States. Projects addressed critical issues, including refugee oral health, preventive dental care for pregnant women, sustainability in school-based oral health programs, and integrating oral health into the World Health Organization’s development goals.
Student leaders Hindol Das and Jaint Kumar were recognized with first- and second-place poster awards, respectively.
Eric Holmes of the United States reflected, “The leadership panel showed me I not only can—but must—lead in community oral health. Connecting with fellow AOHAB students revealed the power of our global network.”
Umar Sardar of Pakistan added, “I return home with inspiration, connections, and ideas that will shape better dental care in Pakistan. It was a life-changing experience.”
AOHAB opened the conference experience with a Student Pizza Gathering and Guest Lecture, where Dr. Maureen Perry introduced the history of Arizona and A.T. Still University’s role in dental medicine. That same evening, AOHAB hosted a Student Welcome Dinner, generously sponsored by Delta Dental, to foster community and set the tone for the weekend.
Throughout the event, AOHAB took the lead in several critical discussions:
- “A New Multidisciplinary Specialty – Oral Facial Pain” featured presentations from Dr. Joe Kohen (Professor at A.T. Still and Founder of Oral Facial Pain) and Dr. Kiran Nagdeo, who delivered an AOHAB/UN overview and explored oral health in the context of WHO initiatives.
- “A Leader’s Journey” brought together an impressive panel of changemakers, including Dr. Deborah Weisfuse (AOHAB President), Dr. Brett Kessler (ADA President), and Dr. Dian Chin Kit-Wells (AADMD President), moderated by AOHAB faculty mentor and AADMD Past President, Dr. David Fray. Their stories of leadership inspired a packed audience and underscored the importance of global leadership in oral health.
“This leadership group from the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders impressed me BIG TIME!” said Dr. Brett Kessler, ADA President.
In a closed session, alumni Dr. Theogene Turatsinze from Rwanda presented the award winning Alumni Photovoice research project on the social determinants of oral health in 12 countries.
The weekend concluded with a brunch and debriefing, where students and mentors reflected on the weekend’s impact and strategized the next steps for global collaboration. Each participant carried home a story, a purpose, and a commitment to make oral health a global priority.
Today, AOHAB is proud to celebrate a growing community of 132 graduates, each actively working to uplift oral health in their own communities — inspired, equipped, and empowered.
We extend sincere gratitude to our sponsors and partners who made this transformative experience possible.
