The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) proudly celebrated its achievements in advancing global oral health leadership with its impactful participation in the Uganda Dental Association (UDA) / International Association for Dental Research-Eastern & Southern Africa Division (IADR-ESAD) Joint Conference. Held at the iconic Kampala Serena Hotel on November 21-22, 2024, this dynamic event brought together global leaders, researchers, and changemakers to tackle critical challenges in oral health and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The conference, themed “Sweetening the Future; Tackling Sugar, NCDs & Oral Health,” addressed the complex relationship between sugar consumption, oral health, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). With sub-themes ranging from sugar policy to innovative healthcare delivery models, the event facilitated discussions on prevention strategies, intervention, and policy reforms to combat these global challenges.
The AOHAB Student Leadership for Global Oral Health (SLGOH) program develops emerging leaders through a year-long mentorship, leadership training, and global exposure curriculum. SLGOH alums are empowered to tackle oral health disparities, engaging in projects that bridge geographic and cultural divides. This year, AOHAB sponsored six accomplished SLGOH alums from Nigeria to present their work and represent the organization at the conference. The delegates included:
- Dr. Cynthia Chinenye Goddy won the Best Poster Award! She presented, Knowledge of Gingivitis and Oral Hygiene Practices among School Adolescents and Teachers in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria;
- Dr. Uwem Akwang presented, Oral Health Needs of Nigerians With Visual and Hearing Impairments;
- Dr. Eunice Okoro presented, Oral Health Disparities Among Secondary School Students With and Without Special Needs in Ibadan, Nigeria;
- Dr. Okereke Promise presented, Oral Health Status, Needs and Treatments of Special Needs Individuals in Gra District, Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria;
- Dr. Benita Onyemaechi presented, Incidence of Periodontitis among pregnant women presenting at the University of Nigeria teaching hospital”
- Dr. Ikenna Ginger Eke presented Dr. Chimereze Offurum’s abstract on their behalf, as they collaborated on the research, but Dr. Offurum was unable to attend the event.)The Efficacy of Educational Posters in Improving the Oral Hygiene Status, Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Children in a Nigerian Secondary School”
Dr. Deborah Weisfuse, President of the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders, remarked:
“This meeting showcases AOHAB programming in action, fostering the development of young, dynamic global oral health leaders as our impact continues to gain momentum. These outstanding students shared significant insights and meaningful contributions during the meeting, and I am confident that this experience will profoundly impact their future career paths.”
Dr. Weisfuse also extended special thanks to Dr. Lincoln Tentena, a 2022 graduate of the AOHAB Student Leadership in Global Oral Health program, for further developing his leadership skills as an AOHAB Global Intern, where he played an important role in facilitating all group activities.
Special thanks were also extended to Dr. Margaret Wandera (Uganda), Meeting Chair, AOHAB lecturer, and mentor, as well as Dr. AnaKarina Maskarenhas (USA), AOHAB lecturer and mentor, for their integral roles in selecting the student representatives for this impactful meeting.
Dr. Margaret Wandera noted, “The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders exists to expand and strengthen global networks, breaking beyond familiar circles and creating opportunities for new collaborations. Being part of this initiative is truly inspiring and motivates me to engage in meaningful activities that drive progress. This program exemplifies the impact of such efforts, and I’m proud to say we had the best poster!”
The two-day event featured pre-conference workshops, keynote addresses, and networking sessions. Distinguished speakers included Prof. Manu Mathur from the University of Liverpool, UK; Dr. Ahmed Ogwell of the United Nations Foundation, USA; Dr. Brian Swann from Harvard School of Dental Medicine, USA; and Dr. Cathy Lutalo Mwesigwa from Makerere University, Uganda. Dr. Margaret Wandera, President of IADR-ESAD and a faculty member of the SLGOH program, played a key role in the conference’s success.
AOHAB alums engaged in various networking events, including a presenters’ dinner and a special gathering for SLGOH alums. At these events, delegates exchanged ideas with professionals such as Dr. Singh Abhinandan, CEO of Victory Dental Hub in Kampala, who shared insights on dental entrepreneurship.
By fostering education, mentorship, and collaboration, AOHAB creates a generation of leaders dedicated to reducing oral health inequities. Special thanks go to the AOHAB Steering Committee, the IADR-ESAD team, and the UDA Conference Organizing Committee for their dedication and support. AOHAB is proud to celebrate the resilience and achievements of its alumni, whose contributions at the conference exemplify the organization’s commitment to global oral health.
For more information, please contact:
Jamie Pirowskin
Business Administrator
info@aohab.org
About AOHAB
The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) is dedicated to advancing global oral health and, in turn, improving overall health by bridging divides through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
Through initiatives like the Student Leadership in Global Oral Health (SLGOH) Program, AOHAB empowers the next generation of leaders to tackle disparities, drive innovation, and expand access to quality oral healthcare worldwide.