World Stomatological Organization (WSO): One Year On — Building a Global Movement for Oral Health
By Adjunct Professor Dato’ Dr How Kim Chuan
President, World Stomatological Organization (WSO)
On 18 April 2025, the World Stomatological Organization (WSO) was officially launched in Penang, Malaysia, marking the beginning of a new international initiative guided by a simple yet powerful vision: “One World · One Oral Health · One Smile.”
In just one year, WSO has grown from a founding vision into a rapidly expanding international platform, bringing together clinicians, academics, industry leaders, and policymakers across multiple regions.
From the outset, the mission has been clear: to bridge clinical excellence, academic advancement, and global collaboration in oral health.
At the heart of WSO is a distinguished international leadership team whose collective experience continues to shape the organisation’s global direction. I am deeply honoured to serve alongside our Co-President, Professor Dr Gerhard Konrad Seeberger, Past President of the FDI World Dental Federation, whose international leadership experience has brought great depth and credibility to WSO’s development. We are equally privileged to have the strong support of our Vice President, Professor Bedros Yavru Sakuk, who plays a key role in strengthening WSO’s engagement across Europe, Central Asia, and other emerging international networks.
A major pillar of this vision is the World Stomatological Academy (WSA), the educational arm of WSO, chaired by Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Hashim Yaacob. His longstanding academic leadership and guidance have been invaluable in advancing our mission in education, professional development, and academic exchange.
WSO and WSA were established with the support of committed founding members, including Professor John Ling, Adjunct A/Prof. Dr Dominic Leung, and Dr TC Phua, whose shared vision has been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s foundation.
We are also supported by our dedicated Executive Director, Ms Aisyah Ahmad, who plays a central role in coordinating international collaborations and organisational development.
Over the past year, WSO has steadily developed a growing international council and advisory network, reflecting its strong commitment to global collaboration and multidisciplinary integration. Our councillors include Professor Elena Ivanova of Russia, Dr Susanna Halim of Indonesia, Dr Chong Zhen Feng, President of the Malaysian Dental Association, and Dr Hong Chang of Australia. We are further honoured to be guided by advisors such as Dr Lawrence Lam Chi Kit, JP of Hong Kong, Dr Kevin Ng, Advisor to the Hong Kong Committee, and Dr Usman Sumantri, Advisor to the Indonesia Committee.
In strengthening our specialist and professional pillars, WSO has also made several important appointments. These include Dr Filippo Cardinalli as Chairman of Endodontics, Dr Igor Dogocki of Germany as Implantology Lead, Mr Jeffrey Gao as Leader of the Dental Technicians Pillar, Mr He Jianhua of China as Chairman of the WSO Southern Dental Valley Entrepreneurs Club, and Mr Rui Xinquan of China as Chairman of the China Technicians Pillar.
WSO is likewise proud to recognise distinguished academic contributors who support its global mission, including Professor Jasur Rizaev of Uzbekistan and Professor Konstantin Sobolev of Russia. Their support reflects the growing recognition WSO is receiving among respected academic and professional communities internationally.
Over the past twelve months, WSO has actively expanded its presence across several strategic regions. In China, the organisation has engaged in academic and institutional exchanges across Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Guizhou. In Central Asia, WSO has developed collaboration with Samarkand Medical University in Uzbekistan. In Russia, it has engaged with MONIKI and regional academic institutions. In the Middle East, participation in AEEDC Dubai and broader international dialogues has further strengthened WSO’s visibility and international relevance.
These engagements reflect WSO’s commitment to building a truly global network grounded in academic integrity, professional exchange, and real-world clinical relevance.
Among the most important milestones of WSO’s first year has been the establishment of the World Stomatological Academy (WSA). As the educational pillar of the organisation, WSA is focused on structured postgraduate education, clinical training and certification, international academic exchange, and the development of future leaders in oral healthcare. Through WSA, we aim to elevate standards not only in treatment, but also in education, ethics, leadership, and interdisciplinary integration.
At the same time, WSO has worked closely with industry partners to ensure that innovation is translated into meaningful clinical benefit. Collaborations with platforms such as AEEDC Dubai / INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions, Infodent International, and Dental Asia have enabled WSO to position itself as an important connector between academia, industry, and clinical practice. We believe that the future of oral healthcare lies in responsible innovation, supported by evidencebased practice and sustained through global collaboration.
Looking ahead, WSO is actively exploring initiatives that expand the role of oral healthcare beyond traditional clinical boundaries. One key area of focus is the intersection between oral health, healthcare systems, and economic sustainability. WSO is working towards developing platforms that bring together governments, healthcare institutions, academic experts, and industry leaders to explore how oral health can be more effectively integrated into national healthcare systems and broader economic frameworks.
This reflects an important evolution in our thinking: from treating disease to shaping systems that improve access, affordability, and long-term outcomes in oral health.
WSO’s greatest strength lies in its people. With the collective leadership of our council, founders, advisors, specialist leaders, and distinguished fellows, WSO continues to grow as a global ecosystem of knowledge, collaboration, and leadership, driven by shared values and a common purpose.
As we mark our first anniversary, WSO stands at an important inflection point. The journey ahead will focus on strengthening academic frameworks, expanding international partnerships, supporting young professionals, advancing research and innovation, and contributing more meaningfully to global health policy.
Our aspiration is clear: to move beyond being an organisation, and to become a global movement for oral health.
The first year of WSO has laid a strong foundation. More importantly, it has demonstrated what is possible when vision, collaboration, and commitment come together across borders. As we look ahead, we invite colleagues, institutions, and partners around the world to join us in shaping the future of oral healthcare.
One World · One Oral Health · One Smile.
