When it comes to addressing the oral health needs of underserved populations around the world, much progress has been made, but much more is yet to be done. That was the consensus among some of the dental industry’s most passionate advocates for change as they gathered in New York City recently to celebrate the launch of the International College of Dentists (ICD) Global Oral Health Leadership Institute.

The dinner, organized and hosted by the ICD and Henry Schein Inc., marked a rebranding of sorts for an organization that was previously known as the Senior Dental Leaders Program. Leaders from the program, many of whom had traveled from overseas, shared not only their success stories but also their vision for the future. Attendees included dental professionals, members of the academic community, and industry leaders.

The event was held at the Harvard Club on December 1 during the 2024 Greater New York Dental Meeting. It was billed in the invitation as “a pivotal moment in our journey to redefine leadership and strengthen the capacity to make systemic change locally, regionally and globally, improving oral health worldwide.” Speakers included participants in the program, as well as representatives from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and King’s College in London. Stanley Bergman, chairman of the board and CEO of Henry Schein, and Dr. Brett Kessler, president of the American Dental Association (ADA), also offered remarks.

“The event is more than just a launch — it’s a celebration of the future of oral health, where impactful collaboration and leadership will shape healthier communities for generations to come,” the institute said.

More information about the Global Oral Health Leadership Institute is available online, at https://icd.org/gohl-institute/.