Building Bridges Across Sectors: Advancing Global Oral Health Through Partnership and Leadership
The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) recently hosted its first alumni event of the year, bringing together global leaders, faculty experts, students, and partners to highlight innovation, collaboration, and leadership in advancing oral health worldwide.
The event reflected AOHAB’s expanding global network and reinforced a central theme: meaningful progress in oral health requires strategic partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and intentional leadership development. Central to this vision is the power of public–private partnerships, such as AOHAB’s collaborations with Colgate and Skygen, which demonstrate how cross-sector engagement can mobilize resources, expand access to care, and create sustainable impact across diverse communities.
Keynote Presentation
Development of a Unique Public Private Partnership
Dr. Matilde Hernandez
Senior Director, Professional Engagement and Scientific Affairs, Colgate (USA)
In her keynote address, Development of a Unique Public Private Partnership, Dr. Matilde Hernandez emphasized the transformative power of cross-sector collaboration.
“True progress happens when we move beyond isolated efforts,” Dr. Hernandez shared. “When industry, academia, and community organizations align around shared goals, we create solutions that are not only innovative—but sustainable.”
She discussed how thoughtfully designed public-private partnerships can expand access to care, strengthen leadership development, and translate innovation into real-world implementation.
“Financial investment is important,” she noted, “but alignment of mission, accountability, and long-term collaboration is what creates lasting impact.”
Her remarks echoed AOHAB’s broader strategic direction: advancing oral health globally requires partnership, trust, and shared responsibility across sectors.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Shaimaa Shihab
Public Health Professional (UAE)
Dr. Shaimaa Shihab highlighted the critical role of public health systems in addressing oral health disparities and strengthening equity worldwide.
“Oral health must be integrated into broader health policy conversations,” Dr. Shihab explained. “If we want sustainable change, we must think systemically—focusing on prevention, access, and policy alignment.”
She underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration and culturally responsive care models in building resilient oral health systems that serve diverse populations.
Student Spotlight
Jaint Kumar
Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (Pakistan)
Representing the next generation of global leaders, Jaint Kumar reflected on how mentorship and international collaboration are shaping his professional journey.
“Being part of a global network has expanded the way I think about oral health challenges,” he shared. “Leadership is not just about clinical skill—it’s about understanding communities, collaboration, and responsibility.”
His perspective reinforced AOHAB’s commitment to cultivating socially conscious, globally connected healthcare professionals.
Journal Club Report
Dr. Hildah Nkonde
Dental Surgeon (Zambia)
Dr. Hildah Nkonde presented insights from AOHAB’s Journal Club initiative, emphasizing the importance of research literacy and evidence-based practice.
“Critical appraisal of research empowers clinicians to make informed decisions,” she stated. “When we share knowledge across regions, we strengthen our collective ability to improve patient care.”
Her presentation demonstrated how academic dialogue and research dissemination serve as essential bridges between science and practice.
The meeting was convened and moderated by Dr. Lincoln Tentena of Zambia, a graduate of our Global Oral Health Leadership inaugural class of 2022 and current Chair of the Alumni Program Committee.
Dr. Tentena provided thoughtful leadership throughout the discussion, drawing on his experience as a program alumnus and global health advocate to guide the conversation and ensure alignment with our broader mission and alumni engagement goals..
A Strategic Vision for Growth
During the event, AOHAB also shared its newly approved strategic plan, including a revised vision:
To amplify civil society voices for a positive global impact on oral health.
This vision reflects the Alliance’s mission to advance oral health through:
- Innovative education and leadership programs
- Outreach to community and patient organizations
- Collaborative partnerships
- Expansion of the Alliance Ambassador Network
The newly adopted three-year objectives emphasize governance stability, financial sustainability, and organizational growth—ensuring that AOHAB continues to strengthen its global reach and leadership pipeline.
Moving Forward
The alumni event showcased the momentum driving AOHAB’s global initiatives. Through public-private partnerships, leadership development, academic engagement, and cross-sector collaboration, the Alliance continues to build a platform where ideas meet opportunity and innovation accelerates impact.
As Dr. Hernandez concluded, “When we collaborate with intention, we don’t just support programs—we build systems that endure.”
Sustainable oral health advancement happens when leaders, institutions, and communities move forward together.