The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders is proud to announce, for its second
consecutive year, the collaboration of their “Student Leadership in Global Oral Health”
with the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) One
Voice for Inclusive Health Conference, held in Denver, Colorado on May 4-7, 2023.
The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders developed the “Student Leadership in
Global Oral Health” initiative to inspire and develop future leaders dedicated to
overcoming the significant burden of global oral disease. This goal of many more in oral
health leadership supports the recent recommendation by the World Health
Organization.
Students in the course attend monthly webinars and small group mentorship by noted
leaders, where they work on development of their individual local community oral health
projects. Students whose projects have the most impact were then chosen for the special
opportunity to present a clinical poster at the “One Voice for Inclusive Health
Conference” held by the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry
(AADMD) in Denver, Colorado on May 4 – 7th, 2023.
The student class of 2023 awarded 36 students with completion certificates. Of the total
class, 22 students submitted posters and 11 students were chosen to present their poster
at the AADMD conference breakout session. Click here to view all posters submissions.
Attending the AADMD Conference introduced this group of young leaders to a
previously invisible minority population: those with intellectual, developmental and
physical disabilities.
Additional opportunities for the students who were able to participate in this program
included:
- Further development of a global view in dealing with multicultural issues.
- Gaining an understanding of the problems and challenges in implementation of
preventive oral health programs and how to gather data that supports proper
initiation of community oral health projects. - Gaining a peer network of alumni with similar interests, which they can continue
relationships with as they move forward in their career paths.
“It was an extraordinary experience mentoring and witnessing my students at the Alliance for
Oral Health Across Borders diligently working on their oral health projects, honing their skills,
and ultimately presenting their findings at an international conference. The immense satisfaction
I felt in observing these young dentists’ passion for learning and their dedication to improving
oral health within their community is truly indescribable”, said Hend Alqaderi, Part-time
Instructor on Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine
and AOHAB Student Leadership in Global Oral Health Steering Committee Member and
Mentor.
“As a mentor for almost one year, it was most gratifying to meet with the students at the
AADMD conference. I am so proud to be part of this leadership program as it has created a
growing network of oral health practitioners from across the globe who embark on careers that
include community based preventive oral health”, stated Dr. Marion Bergman, Board
Member of Miracle Corners of the World, and Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders
Student leaders from the Student Leadership in Global Oral Health Class of 2023 stated:
“It was a wonderful program and we all felt how much work was put into it. The time
was truly enriching and will forever be one of my most important experiences.”
“I acquired knowledge on how to become a leader to implement oral public health programs in
my community to improve people’s health. Also, I interacted and connected with people with the
same vision and it was an amazing experience for me. I’m looking forward to continuing my
work with the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders.”
“I can’t wait to finish the project and share the results with everyone. Also, I’m looking forward
to implement an oral public health program in my community to improve people’s lives.”
At the end of the program, students from the Class of 2022 and Class of 2023 have the
opportunity to continue working with the Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders by
participating in Student Alumni Organizational meetings. The goal of these meetings is
to cultivate relationships and continue to network and further develop student
community projects.
