Solidarity Dental Foundation is immensely thankful for the opportunity and privilege to sponsor an inaugural event deviated to early career professionals alongside  Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders, American Public Health Association Student Assembly, World Federation of Public Health Associations, AcademyHealth Oral Health Interest Group.

The Youth Voices for the Future of Global Oral Health event on 21 September 2024 leading up to the UNGA, featured talks from Camila Tussie, Jeremiah Kim and Bree Zhang in New York as well as Daniel Demetrio Faustino da Silva, Eunji Kim and Ashli Drummond via Zoom.

This idea to feature “youth” voices, to have the establishment listen and learn from the leaders of the future, is bold and necessary. We had a combination of experienced as well first time speakers. The goal of this type of event, where established academics and clinicians have the rare opportunity to hear a talk from students, youth voices, or early career professionals, should be appreciated for what it is - an opportunity to sit back, put our egos aside, listen to the future, and gain a new perspective.

We encouraged questions and engagement while appreciating that we all do not have all the answers. We stressed kindness and respect. And to have all of our speakers leave with a positive experience.

We are grateful to the organizations and individuals mentioned. Especially, the original concept courtesy of Hyewon Lee, Priyanka Gudsoorkar, and Sujay Mehta.  Huge thanks to our hosts at New York University - College of Dentistry and NYU School of Global Public Health.