The ICD brought together global leaders for its second Stakeholders’ Day in Boston, hosted on the campus of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). Sponsored by Henry Schein, the event was a central milestone for the Global Oral Health Leadership Institute (GOHLI), launched in December 2024 to promote global collaboration, innovation, and system-wide impact in oral health.
The 2025 GOHLI delegates, leaders in oral health, and cross-sector innovators explored strategies for empowering leadership, fostering partnerships, and advancing sustainable, evidence-driven solutions.
Two keynote panels anchored the program. Dr. Marko Vujicic of the American Dental Association and Dr. Greg Chadwick of the FDI World Dental Federation led discussions on policy advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation amid global challenges. Dr. Vujicic emphasized a shift in perception: “A decade ago, we lacked strong data connecting oral health to broader health outcomes. Today, we have solid evidence—and a financial ROI—that makes oral health investment compelling to policymakers. But the current models of care don’t match the opportunity we have. We need a realignment.”
The evening concluded with a dinner and keynote address by Dr. Hugh Silk of UMass Chan Medical School. Silk passionately spoke about integrating oral health into primary care through creativity and compassion and shared personal insights from bridging medical and dental disciplines to reach underserved populations.
Dr. William Giannobile, Dean of HSDM, highlighted the importance of such collaborations, noting, “At a time when education and research are under strain, initiatives like GOHLI are vital. They align with our mission to advance science, improve access, and cultivate global leaders in integrated healthcare. ”Stakeholders’ Day affirmed ICD’s commitment to breaking silos and sparking meaningful change. Delegates from 10 countries joined ICD Fellows, academic leaders, and industry partners for a day of candid, forward-thinking dialogue.
Andrea Albertini, CEO of Global Distribution and Technology at Henry Schein, captured the urgency of the moment: “This is the time. No single sector can solve the crisis of access to care alone. We need open, cross-sector conversations to drive progress
