The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders Collaborates with the
American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) Conference
held in Chicago, Illinois, on June 6-9, 2024.
[Chicago, Illinois – June 10, 2024] The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) is proud to announce the continuation of their “Student Leadership in Global Oral Health initiative in partnership with the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) Conference. This collaboration provides a platform for students to showcase their projects and learn from global oral health leaders.
The “Student Leadership in Global Oral Health” initiative aims to inspire and develop future leaders dedicated to addressing the global burden of oral diseases, aligning with recent World Health Organization recommendations. Through this program, students not only participate in monthly webinars, but also receive one-on-one mentorship from leaders in the field of global oral health. This mentorship is a unique opportunity for students to gain insights, guidance, and support as they develop impactful local community projects around the globe. Eight poster projects were showcased by students at the conference.
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.
- Understanding the challenges of implementing preventive oral health programs and gathering supportive data.
- Building a peer network of alumni with shared interests to foster ongoing professional relationships.
This year, the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders created two breakout sessions. The first session, “Introduction to AOHAB,” featured Dr. Deborah Weisfuse, who provided an overview of AOHAB’s mission, goals, and initiatives. Dr. Priyanka Gudsoorkar, a graduate of the program, now on the faculty steering committee and Chair of our Alumni Committee, discussed the award-winning Photovoice project. In this project, alumni from the student leadership program showcased photographs depicting a social determinant of oral health in their country, accompanied by a short narrative. “Creative art is a powerful way of sharing oral health’s vision and depth, reflecting its philosophy of care and scope of practice. Winning the award is meaningful and memorable, highlighting the impact of our collaborative efforts,” Dr. Gudsoorkar stated.
Dr. Kiran Nagdeo, Alumni Program Director and 2023 graduate, as well as a mentor for the Class of 2024, reviewed the activities available for graduates, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement and networking among alumni.
In the second session, “My Journey to Leadership”, three distinguished leaders shared their journeys towards leadership. Speakers included Dr. Linda Edgar, President of ADA; Dr. Steve Perlman, Founder and Past President of AADMD; AOHAB Board and faculty steering committee member; and Dr. Irving McKenzie, Chief Dental Officer of Jamaica. Their inspiring stories captivated a packed audience, emphasizing the importance of leadership in advancing global oral health.
“I was deeply impressed by the turnout and the enthusiasm for learning about AOHAB. The relationships we have built over the past three years are invaluable. I am incredibly proud of our students and grateful for the growing recognition of our leadership program. We are not just fostering a global network of oral health practitioners, but a united community of professionals committed to improving oral health worldwide,” stated Dr. Deborah Weisfuse, President of the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders.
Here’s what some of the students had to say:
“I am pleased to share that I had the honor of presenting my research project, ‘Tongue-Tie Myths Amongst Mothers Attending Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital in Ndola, Zambia,’ at the AADMD conference. The experience was both insightful and enriching. The Alliance’s unwavering support and commitment to fostering global health advancements turned a researcher’s dream into reality. Thank you to AOHAB for making this trip possible.” – Kekelwa Mutumwenu, Zambia
“Being a Student Leader in the AOHAB Student Leadership Program increased my knowledge of oral health in various communities and equipped me with the skills to solve oral health challenges in my local community. Together, we can improve oral health locally and globally!” – Cynthia Nwachukwu, Nigeria.
“My experience with AOHAB has expanded my passion for community involvement, and I intend to continue incorporating these activities into my dental future. Being mentored by world-renowned oral health experts was an honor. Prioritizing oral health with the same importance as overall health is key to reaching the goal of universal health coverage. Effective prevention, driven by health education and active community involvement, is essential for success. Moreover, addressing social determinants of health is vital to providing comprehensive and equitable care for all.” – Arnold Mahegga, Tanzania.
“AOHAB has given me the opportunity to get mentorship and inspiration from experts in global oral health. As the younger generation, I have learned that we need to step out with courage and help our community overcome health problems. Let our togetherness define us!” – Eric Habiniza, Rwanda.
“Through the SLGOH course, I have appreciated that we, as student leaders, are champions of oral health, and it is for us to uplift our communities towards better oral health. We can each make a difference in our communities. Also, very grateful for learning from the incredible mentors and networking with global oral health enthusiasts throughout the course and during the AADMD One Voice Conference in Chicago.” – Shahla Khalid, Kenya
The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders is a global network of distinguished leaders in medicine, dentistry, and public health. Leveraging their collective expertise, they identify innovative solutions and share best practices in oral health. The organization’s mission is to enhance overall health by emphasizing the importance of oral care in underserved communities and promoting oral health education to reduce oral diseases worldwide, regardless of geographic and cultural boundaries. The “Student Leadership in Global Oral Health” initiative is a vital part of this mission, aiming to inspire and develop future leaders dedicated to addressing the global burden of oral disease.
Visit the website for more information about the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders, its initiatives, and how to join its network of like-minded individuals and organizations. All students, healthcare professionals, and organizations interested in global oral health are encouraged to get involved and support the mission to improve oral health, and thereby general health, worldwide.
