When the Global (formerly International) Council of the International College of Dentists convenes this month in Toronto, Councilors will face a full agenda of decisions, discussions and plans that will help shape the College’s global direction. But the work before them did not begin in Toronto.

Much of it has been underway for months.

Throughout the year, every Councilor serves on one or more committees, each charged by the Global President with specific responsibilities, initiatives and projects. Those committees have been doing the essential work behind the scenes—studying issues, developing recommendations, advancing projects and preparing matters for consideration by the full Global Council.

Toronto is therefore more than an annual meeting. It is the point at which a year of preparation, collaboration and committee work comes together—where ideas are tested, strategic planning occurs, recommendations are deliberated, decisions are made, and the College charts its course for the year ahead.

Committee work has also changed dramatically. In earlier years, committees met only during the annual International Council meeting, requiring a significant portion of the meeting schedule to be devoted to committee sessions. Today, most committee deliberations are conducted virtually throughout the year. Some committees meet as often as monthly and others meet only as their assignments require. This not only saves valuable time during the International Council meeting, but also allows committees to work more continuously, examine issues in greater depth and accomplish considerably more between annual meetings.

By the time the  Global Council convenes in two weeks, much of the background work behind its discussions and decisions will have already been underway for months. Committee service is one of the principal ways our Global Councilors contribute throughout the year to the continuing progress and future direction of the College. 

Standing Committees

The Standing Committees have continuing areas of responsibility. Their particular assignments may change from year to year as the needs and priorities of the College evolve.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee provides continuing leadership for the College between meetings of the Global Council. It meets virtually multiple times throughout the year, with additional meetings as needed, to review finances, programs, policy matters, committee recommendations and preparations for future College activities.

Awards Committee

Reviews nominations for College honors and makes recommendations for recognition by the Global Council or Executive Committee.

Bylaws Committee

Reviews proposed changes to Bylaws and Standing Rules to make recommendations for Council’s consideration and ensures that Section governance remains consistent with the governing documents of the College.

Finance Committee

Monitors College finances and investments and helps shape major financial recommendations, including development of the annual budget that ultimately comes before the Council.

Membership Committee

Examines recruitment and retention trends and works with Sections to identify practical ways to strengthen and grow Fellowship worldwide.

Officer Nominations Committee

Reviews candidates for global officer positions and presents a preferred slate of candidates for election by the International Council. Engages in recruitment when necessary.

Projects Committee

Evaluates proposed and existing College initiatives with recommendations made to College leadership. Reviews and approves applications for Global Visionary Fund support.

Ad Hoc Committees and Task Forces

These task specific and time-limited committees include Educational Programs, College Governance Structure, Global Engagement and Development of the College’s Centennial History Project.

Want to help but you’re not a Councilor? No problem. You do not need to hold a seat on the Council to have a seat at the table.

Committee participation is not limited to members of the Global Council. Fellows from throughout the College are invited to contribute their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the work of Council committees.

If you have a particular area of expertise, a strong interest in one of the committees’ activities, or simply a desire to become more involved in the work of the College, we want to hear from you. Fellows may submit ideas and recommendations or express an interest in future committee service by contacting the Global Office.

Your perspective, experience and willingness to contribute can help advance the work of the International College of Dentists forward.