First conceptualised by Professor Raman Bedi in 2007 at King’s College London, the SDL programme is organised by the Global Child Dental Fund, King’s College London Dental Institute and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and is co-sponsored by Henry Schein, Inc. and Colgate-Palmolive.

The intensive multi-day conference brought together dental policy makers, national Chief Dental Officers, representatives from NGOs and members of clinical and academic communities, who work to forge an international collaborative network with the goal of advancing the mission of a cavity-free world for children. Speakers included Professor Mike Curtis, Dean of King’s College London Dental Institute; Dr Bruce Donoff, Dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine; Dr Marsha Butler, Vice President of Oral Health and Professional Relations, Colgate-Palmolive; and Mr Stanley M Bergman, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Henry Schein, Inc.

Professor Raman Bedi, Chairman of the Global Child Dental Fund, said:
“Leadership training in oral health is just as important as gaining clinical skills. It is not only necessary for dentists but a whole range of other health professionals such as doctors, nurses and health visitors. Leadership development is also crucial for schoolteachers around the world to advocate for better child oral health."