The Senior Dental Leaders Program, formerly managed by the Global Child Dental Fund (GCDF), has been rebranded as the ICD Global Oral Health Leadership (GOHL) Institute, according to an announcement by Henry Schein on August 27.
The International College of Dentists (ICD), which oversees the rebranded institute, is poised to advance the development of emerging healthcare leaders worldwide, drawing on its extensive global network of 12,000 dental professionals.
The ICD’s one-year program includes training in strategic leadership skills aimed at implementing solutions to improve oral health and systemic wellness globally.
“The ICD began its second century a few years ago and has since been working to expand its global footprint, achieving consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and collaborating on initiatives with the World Health Organization,” said ICD International President Argirios Pissiotis. “With the launch of the Global Oral Health Leadership Institute, we are reaching new heights in our efforts to improve global oral health.”
Henry Schein’s Collaboration
The Senior Dental Leaders Program, established in 2007, has graduated more than 200 healthcare leaders from 43 countries. Recognizing the need for a sustainable future for the program, Henry Schein, Inc. collaborated with academic partners, including the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and King’s College London, to bring the ICD on board.
“We’re excited about the opportunities to continue advancing oral health education, best practice sharing, and relationship development through the Global Oral Health Leadership Institute,” said David Kochman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Henry Schein, Inc. He also expressed gratitude to GCDF, noting that the new program will leverage the “knowledge and experience” gained from the fund’s long-standing stewardship.
“We are thankful to the Global Child Dental Fund and Professor Raman Bedi for their dedicated leadership of the Senior Dental Leaders Program, which has become a flagship opportunity for emerging dental professionals to collaborate and learn,” Kochman added.
What to Expect
Under the ICD’s management, the GOHL Institute will maintain a rigorous selection process for its annual cohort of international participants. The year-long program includes a five-day residential component, supplemented by virtual seminars, project planning discussions, alumni events, mentorship, and regional networking opportunities. The College aims to harness the high-caliber ideas, resources, and connections generated through this initiative to tackle global oral health challenges, particularly in communities with the greatest need for care.
With its new home under the ICD umbrella, the GOHL Institute is well-positioned to continue its mission of empowering oral health leaders worldwide. Supported by Henry Schein’s enduring partnership and the strategic oversight of GOHL Program Directors Dr. Sara Hurley and Tom Kennie, the institute is set to drive systemic change on regional, national, and global levels.
