4th Global Oral Health & Climate Action Conference Program

Time: 8-9 AM, EST

Speakers:

• Dean Mark Wolff, Penn Dental Medicine
• Hon. Penioni Ravunawa – MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Government of Fiji. COP 31 host COP 29
• Dr Benoit Varenne, WHO Global Oral Health Programm, Switzerland
• Renata Bastos, Professor, University Center of Para (CESUPA), Belem Bazil
• Assist. Prof. Nikolai Sharkov, FDI World Dental Federation
• Dr Rena Aliyeva, COP 29 Host, Azerbaijan
• Dr. Christopher H. Fox, IADR
• Dean Mark Wolff, Penn Dental Medicine

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Time: (to be determined)

Speakers:

• Derek Sanders
• Dean Mark Wolff, Penn Dental Medicine

Session Abstract:

(to come)

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Time: 13.00 – 14.00, South Africa / 12.00 – 13.00, Central European Time

Speakers:

• Razia Adam, Deputy Dean Research, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Western Cape, South Africa
• Students, University of Western Cape, South Africa

Session abstract:

Oral health research and education play a pivotal role in advancing the planetary health agenda, particularly within low- and middle-income countries where the intersection of health, environment, and equity is most pronounced.

This session will detail the context of a dental school and showcase how it has embarked on a transformative journey to integrate planetary health principles into its research and educational frameworks.

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Time: 12.00 -13.00, Central European Time

Speakers: 

• Julian Fisher, Director, Oral and Planetary Health Policies
  Center for Integrative Global Oral Health , University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia,
  USA
• Dalia Meisha, Associate Professor, Department of Dental Public Health Consultant, Orthodontics, Director, Outcome Assessment Division, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
• Rukshana Ahmed, Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Western Cape, South Africa

Session abstract:

Susceptibility to oral diseases, as well as the physiological and psychosocial aspects of oral health, will be impacted by extreme weather events, prolonged and more intense heatwaves, and rising levels of toxic air pollution. These climate-related changes reinforce how it is no longer sufficient to consider oral health in isolation to planetary health and its boundaries.

This session will provide an overview of the current status of oral and respiratory health and potential challenges and opportunities for oral healthcare services and practice.

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Time: 12.30 – 13.30, Central European Time

Speakers:

• Falk Schwendicke, Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, LMU Hospital, Munich, Germany
• Maxime Ducet, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France

Session abstract:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of dental research, education, and clinical care. From diagnostics to treatment planning and practice management, its potential to improve efficiency and quality of care is undeniable. Yet, its adoption across the dental field remains fragmented, limited by unequal access to technology, ethical uncertainties, and the absence of a shared framework for responsible use.

This session will explore how dentistry can move toward a more coherent and sustainable integration of AI. It will emphasize the need for collaboration between researchers, clinicians, educators, and policymakers to build trust, establish ethical and regulatory foundations, and ensure that innovation truly benefits both professionals and patients.

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Time: 14.00 – 15.00, Central European Time

Speakers:

• Lisa Lamkemeyer Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Research Associate, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany
• Stefan Listl, Professor of Translational Health Economics and Director of the Oral Health Section at Heidelberg Institute of Global Health Heidelberg University, Germany

Session abstract: 

Exceeding planetary limits through climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and resource depletion is redefining the context in which dental practices operate, creating economic and operational vulnerabilities that increasingly threaten both viability and access to care.

This session explores how these global shifts translate into local business risks and outlines how practice-owning dentists can adopt proactive, sustainability-oriented strategies to safeguard long-term resilience and viability.

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Time: 17.00 – 18.00, Greenwich Mean Time UK /18.00 – 19.00, Central European Time / 12.00 – 1.00, Columbia

Speakers:

• Huda Yusuf, Professor of Dental Public Health
  Lead for Dental Public Health Module (Undergraduates)
  Consultant in Public Health at NHS England (Child Healthy Weight, Inclusion Health and CYP Dental Public Health) Centre for Dental Public Health & Primary Care|5th Floor| Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Turner Street
  London, UK
• Dr Paula Vassallo, Director of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health in Malta
• Dr Jeadran Nevardo Malagón, Public Health, Bogata, Columbia
• UKHSA, Kanza Ahmed, Head of Global Disasters, Climate and Health

Session abstract: 

Water insecurity due to climate change, environmental factors, and limitations in infrastructure can have detrimental repercussions on health and oral health outcomes. This also is challenging in providing equitable and effective oral health care. Access to safe drinking water, growing nutritious food, and the ability of providing affordable and high-quality oral healthcare are key components of social and commercial determinants of health alongside the ambition of achieving UHC.

The aim of this session is to explore the significance of clean water in the context of planetary health boundaries, health systems security implications and impacts of climate change on oral health. Fostering a whole of government, whole of society health in all policies approach or a cross-sectoral approach between health, environment, education and social sectors would potentially promote sustainable oral health improvements.

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Time:  12.00 – 1.00, ET

Speakers:

• Alonso Carrasco-Labra, Associate Professor | Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences | Center for Integrative Global Oral Health University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine ,Philadelphia, USA

Session abstract:

Evidence-informed guidelines shape clinical and public health decisions, resource allocation, and service delivery at scale. Clinical choices carry a cost including environmental footprints, for example, greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption, material use and waste that can propagate health risks through impacting climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Integrating planetary health boundaries and consequences into guideline processes is consistent with evidence‑based medicine principles, and it aligns with planetary health, understood as the health of human civilization and the state of the natural systems on which it depends.

This session will showcase how clinical and public health guidelines can contribute to planetary health by integrating environmental considerations into evidence-informed decision-making.

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Time:  11.00 – 12.00, Central European Time

Speakers/Panel: 

• Arish Naresh, Universtiy of Tazmania, Australia
• Fiji: Hon Penioni Ravunawa, Assistant Minister of Health
• Indonesia: Zaeni Dahlan, Indonesian Health Council
• Solomon Islands: Dr Ellison Vane, Head of Dentistry, National Referral Hospital, Honiara
• Malaysia: Fatimah Rahman, President, Malaysian Dental Therapists Association
• South Africa: Lesley Naidoo, University of KwaZulu-Natal
• Canada; Cyerra C Powder, President, Canadian Dental Therapists Association
• United States: Kari Ann Kuntzelman, President, American Dental Therapy Association
• Australia: A/Prof Roisin McGrath, Oral Health Association, Australia
• Australia: Dr Silvana Bettiol , University of Tasmania
• New Zealand; Anishma Ram, Pasifika Dental Association
• Niue: Dr Leroy Tatui, Oral Health Pacific Alliance
• Fiji: Dr Leenu Maimanuku, Oral Health Pacific Alliance

Session abstract: 

This session is framed by WHO Bangkok declaration and 6 strategic objectives of WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan. The session presents how transdisciplinary team-based approaches can improve access to oral health care and health equity especially in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities through protective prevention, climate resilient strategies and environmentally sustainable practices and care.

The session will share country experiences and practice case studies that apply and translate WHO action points into practice.

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Time: 15.00 – 16.00, Central European Time

Speakers:

• Co-chair; Prof. Elin Eriksen Ødegaard, Professor, Kindergarten Knowledge (KINDknow) Centre for Systemic Research on Diversity and Sustainable Futures, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Norway
• Prof. Adele Diamond, professor of neuroscience at the University of British Columbia
• Dr. Silvia C. Dubovoy
• Ph.D Isabelle Filliozat
• Prof. Ursula Stenger
• Prof. James J. Heckman
• Dr. Joël Monzée
• Mrs. Irinela Nicolae, Romania

Session abstract: 

This session explores early childhood education as a strategic platform for oral health, NCD prevention, and planetary resilience aligned with the WHO Oral Health Action Plan, the Bangkok Declaration (Points 6, 10, 12, 25 & Strategic Area 7) and the UN NCD Political Declaration (2025). The session will demonstrate, through evidence and policy perspectives, how the WHO core domains — physiological, psycho-social, and disease/condition status — are shaped through daily early learning environments.

The session will position early childhood not as an educational issue alone, but as an ‘oral health touch point’ and a key operational arena of preventive health, equity and climate adaptation.

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Time: 18.00 – 19.00, Central European Time

Speakers: 

• Stavros Avgerinos, German Society for Sports Dentistry, Germany
• Sports Dentists, Football, Itly
• João Botelho, Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Portugal
• André Judice, Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Portugal
• Prof Tilman Fritsch,Sports Dentist, Switzerland
• Markus Tröltzsch, ÖGSZM, Austria
• Viktoria Peine, Sports Dentist, Lindau, Germany

Session abstract: 

Sports medicine, also called sport and exercise medicine (SEM), is a recognised discipline concerned with physical fitness and prevention and treatment and of sports and exercise related injuries. Global disruptions like climate change, biodiversity loss, digital transformation, and sustainability integration are reshaping health systems and societal stability and are key drivers of transformation in the health sector, including sports medicine and dentistry. Although considered medically healthy, elite athletes are a highly vulnerable population for oral diseases. The sports dentistry profession must reevaluate oral health assessment criteria and protocols to consider these challenges as they relate to oral and systemic health. This applies equally to athletes and the general population.

The session will explore how adopting new ways of thinking and working towards sustainable oral health for athletes can pioneer and realise broader oral healthcare transformation.

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Time: 9.00 -10.oo, Central European Time

Speakers: 

• Benoit Varenne, Technical Lead, Global Oral Health, World Health Organsiation, WHO HQ, Switzerland
• Gaby Sardon, Technical Officer, WHO HQ, Switzerland

Session abstract: 

(to come)

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Time: 8-9 AM, EST

Speakers:

• Chris Fox, IADR
• Makyba Charles-Ayinde,
• Fabian Cieplik,
• Harsh Priya,

Session abstract:

(to come)

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Time: 18.30 – 19.30, Greenwich Mean Time UK

Speakers:

• Avijit Banerjee, Professor of Cariology & Operative Dentistry, Centre of Oral Clinical Translational Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, UK
• Divyash Patel, Office of the Chief Dental Officer (OCDO), England,
• Zain Hameed , Office of the Chief Dental Officer (OCDO), England,
• Ivo Krejci, Professor emeritus, University Dental Clinics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
• Ave Pold, Chief Dental Officer, Estonia
• Tim Newton, Dean of Research Culture, Professor of Psychology as Applied to Dentistry, Kings College London, UK
• Amira Alhusseini Elwan B.D.S, Assistant Lecturer of Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
• Zain Hameed, President of IADS

Session abstract:

The accelerating process to phase down and eventually phase out dental amalgam marks the end of a restorative era centred around traditional operative dentistry, and can catalyse a profound change in dentistry.

This session discusses potential transformations and opportunities to strengthen the integration of oral health into health systems and possible innovations in financing.

Evidence-based and effective dental caries prevention measures can significantly reduce the incidence of oral diseases and their subsequent treatment, improve general health and well-being on an individual and population level. This, along with developments in MIOC delivery using non-, micro- and minimally invasive techniques, technologies and biomaterials, has knock-on beneficial implications to environmental and socio-economic sustainability, including the associated reduced CO2 emissions linked to travel, manufacture, care delivery and disposal pathways. Efficient use of the oral healthcare team workforce with allied healthcare professionals will permit greater equity and access to oral and dental healthcare across populations globally.

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Time: 14.00 – 15.00, Greenwich Mean Time UK

Speakers:

• Dr. Faizan Alawi, Penn Dental Medicine,  USA
• James Field
• Jonathan Dixon
• Nicolas Martin

Session abstract: 

Dentistry, long seen as a technical and narrowly clinical field, must evolve into a profession that embodies stewardship of oral health, public health, and planetary wellbeing. Yet, despite compelling reasons for progress and modernization, dental curricula often remain densely packed with traditional biomedical content, leaving little room for cross‑disciplinary reflection. Without proper education and awareness, the potential of oral health professionals to contribute meaningfully to these broader health initiatives remains untapped.

This session sets out how all stakeholders in dentistry must identify the ethical responsibility to deliver a more environmentally sustainable healthcare system. Raising awareness through education at all levels of the profession has been recognized as a critical strategy to mitigating environmental impacts. The need to conceptualize and deliver strategies to make oral healthcare more sustainable is clear.

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Time: 12.00 – 13.00, South Africa / 11.00 -12.00, Central European time

Speakers:

• Razia Adams, University of Western Cape, South Africa

Session abstract:

The growing impact of climate induced extreme weather events has major implications for vulnerable communities particularly those in low- and middle-income countries. An increase in temperature may result in the transmission of infectious diseases but also has implications for non communicable diseases such as oral diseases.

This session will provide an overview of the connection between extreme weather events and health and more specifically oral health.

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Time: 9.00 Lagos, /10.00 Zimbabwe / 19.00, Hobart, Tasmania

Speakers:

• Cleopatra Matanhire, Oral and Lung Axis, Zimbabwe
• Morenike ukpong
• Arish C Naresh
• Chinguwa Anesu
• Timothy Chifamba

Session abstract:

Many millions of people around the world use traditional medicines in the their routines including oral hygiene. The impact of climate change, socio-economic challenges are significant stressors for traditional oral health medicines and practices.

This session provides an overview of the current status of traditional oral health medicines and practices from the perspectives of several world regions and sets out an agenda for action.

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Time: 18.00 -19.00,  Central European time

Speakers:

• Claudio Pinheiro Fernandes
• Jeffer Castelo Branco
• Ricardo Amore

Session abstract: 

(to come)

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Time: (to be confirmed)

Speakers:

• Samantha Cheetham, President, International Dental Manufacturers and CEO SDI Limited

Session abstract:

Sustainability is an emerging and vital topic in dentistry, with today’s dental practices reliant on manufacturers and suppliers to provide products and services that deliver high-quality oral health care while safeguarding the Earth’s natural systems. While dental companies decide how to run their own businesses, those that integrate robust sustainability principles are better positioned to strengthen brand reputation, boost investor confidence, enhance operational resilience, and improve access to capital. Many in the industry, especially younger dentists, are calling for heightened focus on sustainability, believing it to be a moral and ethical imperative that will better serve patients – while protecting the environment.

This session will present and discuss seven key initiatives for dental manufacturers and suppliers to consider if they choose to embrace sustainable business practices

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Time: 16.00 – 17.00, Central European Time

Speakers:

• Mutlu Özcan; Mutlu Özcan, Director, Clinic of Clinic of Masticatory Disorders and Dental Biomaterials, Center for Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
• Julian Fisher, Julian Fisher, Director, Oral and Planetary Health Policies, Center for Integrative Global Oral Health , University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
• Ericka Tavares Pinheiro, Associate Professor. University of São Paulo, Brazil
• Ivo Krejci, Professor emeritus, University Dental Clinics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Session abstract:

Adopting a One Health approach for human security could enhance cross-sectoral policy-making at the local, regional, national, and global levels, while maintaining a strong focus on health systems strengthening and community engagement. This session ties the clinical shift in caries management with WHO’s sustainability agenda and microbiome centric prevention, culminating in policy and practice recommendations for sustainable dentistry that benefits oral, systemic, and planetary health.

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Time: 12.30 -13.30, Central European Time

Speakers:

• Kosmas Tolidis, Dean, Dental School, University of Thessaloniki, Greece,
• Humam Dawood, Médecins du Monde
• Nabil Kochaji, Damascus University, Syria
• Birke Bogale Lema, Kings College London, UK

Session abstract:

This session examines the evolving role of oral health within the broader context of health security, climate change, and post-conflict recovery. As governments increasingly prioritize health security, oral health systems must adapt to multidimensional challenges that are transboundary in nature and deeply interconnected with environmental and social determinants.

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Time: 14.00 – 15.00, Central European Time

Speakers:

• Juan Carlos Cornjo, Peru
• Parnika S Kashyap, India
• Trish Matarutse,  Zimbabwe
• Silvia Juliana López Bohorquez, Columbia

Session abstract:

Students were engaged in the COP26 Climate Conference hosted in Glasgow in 2021. They are increasingly voicing their concerns about climate change through advocacy, education, and by integrating sustainability into dental school curricula and programmes. They are leveraging their unique perspective on the long-term impacts of climate change to push for faster action, organize grassroots movements, and develop innovative solutions. Many institutions are now creating student roles and platforms to ensure their input is a central part of institutional sustainability efforts.

This session will hear from students from Columbia, India, Peru and Zimbabwe.

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Time: 6 – 7 PM, EST

Speakers:

• Christopher Oshana, MOPH Student, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine ,Philadelphia,
  USA
• Llana Sacks, MOPH Student, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine ,Philadelphia,
  USA
• Azin Pooresmaeil, MOPH Student, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia,
  USA
• Taylor DeVine, MOPH Student, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine ,Philadelphia,
  USA
• Andria Radaios, MOPH Student, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine ,Philadelphia,
  USA

Speakers:

Students from Penn Dental Medicine’s Master of Oral & Population Health (MOPH) share the MOPH planetary health module.

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Time: (to be determined)

Speakers:

• Harrison Goodall, Penn Medicine
• Jade Riopelle,
• Farah Hussain, Penn Medicine
• Claire West,
• Alice Zhang,

Session abstract:

to come

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Time: (to be determined)

Speakers:

• Julian Fisher, Julian Fisher, Director, Oral and Planetary Health Policies, Center for Integrative Global Oral Health , University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, USA

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