Conference forges global network of senior oral health leaders to advance the mission of a cavity-free world for children
Melville, NY, USA – Henry Schein, Inc. is sponsoring the tenth annual Senior Dental Leaders Programme, an international conference designed to develop high-level leadership and management capabilities in oral health leaders from around the globe. This year’s event in London, which began on March 6, has been attended by 150 participants.
First conceptualised by Professor Raman Bedi, DDS in 2007 at King’s College London, the Senior Dental Leaders Programme is organised by the Global Child Dental Fund, King’s College London Dental Institute, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility programme, has supported the event – together with co-sponsor Colgate-Palmolive – since its inception.
The intensive multi-day conference has brought together dental policy makers, national Chief Dental Officers, representatives from non-governmental organisations, and members of the clinical and academic communities, who are working to forge an international collaborative network with the goal of advancing the mission of a cavity-free world for children. Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc., delivered the Programme’s keynote address on March 8 during a day-long seminar entitled “Developing Leadership in the Dental Profession”.
“The world faces oral health challenges that will not be solved by a single actor, but rather through a concentrated effort by members of every sector of the oral health community who work together towards a shared vision,” Mr. Bergman said. “Henry Schein is committed to a public-private partnership built on the strengths of clinicians, dental educators, governments, non-governmental organisations, and industry. The Senior Dental Leaders Programme enhances this partnership and reinforces the relationships at its core by empowering health leaders, enabling the sharing of best practices, and increasing access to oral care throughout the world.”
Other speakers have included Dr. Bruce Donoff, Dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine; Dr. Diane Rekow, Dean of King’s College London Dental Institute; and Dr. Tony Volpe, Trustee of the Global Child Dental Fund.
Over the course of the conference, participants have exchanged knowledge and research, shared best practices, and examined case studies of strategies to meet oral health challenges. They have also gained greater insight into effective team leadership and change management through a series of presentations and panel discussions. Each day of the conference is aligned around key topics, including: “The Global Context and the Leadership of Strategy”, “Developing Leadership in the Dental Profession”, “Team Leadership and Change Management”, and “Scenario Planning and Public Health Innovations”.