ICD is the new home of the now Global Oral Health Leadership Institute

“The ICD began its second centennial a few years ago and had been making efforts, such as achieving consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and collaborating with World Health Organization initiatives, to increase the college’s global footprint. Now, the ICD has reached an even higher level towards improving global oral health through the procurement of this rebranded [GOHL] Institute,” said ICD International Council President Prof. Argirios Pissiotis.

Established in 2007, the Senior Dental Leadership Program has graduated more than 200 emerging healthcare leaders from 43 countries. Recognising the need for a long-term home for the programme’s future iterations, Henry Schein collaborated with two of its academic partners, Harvard School of Dental Medicine in the US and King’s College London in the UK, to engage the ICD. The ICD’s vast global network of 12,000 dental leaders makes it an ideal home for the programme’s next chapter.

“It has been a privilege to have led the Senior Dental Leadership Program over the past 14 years. Good leadership brings about change, and [the programme] has reinforced its importance in improving child oral health. As the new president-elect of the World Federation of Public Health Associations, my first task will be establishing a global public health leadership programme so that our public health colleagues can benefit from effecive leadership networks,” said Prof. Raman Bedi, former GCDF chairman and the founder of the Senior Dental Leadership Program.

Dr Ray Mrisho Masumo (centre) receives his certificate of completion for the 2018 Senior Dental Leader's Program from programme director Tom Kennie (to his right) and Prof. Raman Bedi, former GCDF chairman (to his left). (Image: Ray Mrisho Masumo)

David Kochman, chief corporate affairs officer at Henry Schein, stated: “We are grateful to the [GCDF] and Prof. Raman Bedi for their longstanding stewardship of the Senior Dental Leadership Program, building it into a flagship opportunity for burgeoning dental professionals to collaborate and learn. By harnessing the knowledge and experience gained from the GCDF’s work and decades-long partnership with the [ICD] and its most prestigious community of fellows, we are enthusiastic about the opportunities to continue meaningfully advancing oral health training, best-practice sharing and relationship development through the [GOHL Institute].”

Through fostering dialogue, debate and shared learning, the GOHL Institute will further advance its aim to empower next-generation leaders in achieving impactful and sustainable improvements to oral health, strengthening prevention and wellness models of care and ultimately enhancing populations’ overall health. The GOHL Institute’s new home under the ICD umbrella will enable the continued growth of its mission to empower oral health leaders worldwide. Through Henry Schein’s enduring partnership and the strategic oversight of the GOHL programme directors, Drs Sara Hurley and Tom Kennie, the GOHL Institute is positioned to spearhead systemic change at regional, national and global levels.

Under the ICD’s management, the GOHL Institute will maintain its rigorous process of selecting an annual cohort of international participants for the full-year programme, which includes an immersive five-day residential component complemented by virtual seminars, reflection, project planning discussions, alumni events and mentorship, and regional networking opportunities. The ICD plans to leverage the high-calibre ideas, resources and connections that result from this initiative to solve global oral health challenges, especially in communities with the greatest need for oral healthcare.

The ICD invites all Senior Dental Leadership Program alumni to join the alumni network it is building to enhance the overall GOHL Institute, offer mentorship and strengthen oral health initiatives and resources globally. More information about the GOHL Institute Alumni Network can be found here.