On 18 Apr 2025, the World Stomatological Organisation (WSO) was officially launched in Penang, Malaysia, marking the beginning of a new international initiative guided by the vision: “One World · One Oral Health · One Smile.”
In just one year, WSO has grown from its founding into a rapidly expanding international platform, bringing together clinicians, academics, industry leaders and policymakers across multiple regions.
At the heart of WSO is a distinguished international leadership team whose collective experience continues to shape the organisation’s global direction. The organisation is led alongside co-president Prof Dr Gerhard Konrad Seeberger, past president of the FDI World Dental Federation, whose international leadership experience has brought significant depth and credibility to WSO’s development. Strong support is also provided by vice-president Prof 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 Prof Datuk Dr Hashim Yaacob. His longstanding academic leadership and guidance have been instrumental in advancing the organisation’s mission in education, professional development and academic exchange.
WSO and WSA were established with the support of committed founding members, including Prof John Ling, adjunct associate Prof Dr Dominic Leung and Dr TC Phua, whose shared vision has been central to shaping the organisation’s foundation.
The organisation is also supported by executive director 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. Councillors include Prof 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. The organisation is further guided by advisers such as Dr Lawrence Lam Chi Kit, JP, of Hong Kong; Dr Kevin Ng, adviser to the Hong Kong Committee; and Dr Usman Sumantri, adviser to the Indonesia Committee.
In strengthening its 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, Jeffrey Gao as leader of the Dental Technicians Pillar, He Jianhua of China as chairman of the WSO Southern Dental Valley Entrepreneurs Club, and Rui Xinquan of China as chairman of the China Technicians Pillar.
WSO also recognises distinguished academic contributors who support its global mission, including Prof Jasur Rizaev of Uzbekistan and Prof Konstantin Sobolev of Russia, reflecting growing recognition among international academic and professional communities.
Over the past 12 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, collaboration has been developed with Samarkand Medical University in Uzbekistan. In Russia, engagement has taken place with MONIKI and regional academic institutions. In the Middle East, participation in AEEDC Dubai and broader international dialogue has further strengthened WSO’s visibility and international relevance.
These engagements reflect a commitment to building a truly global network grounded in academic integrity, professional exchange and real-world clinical relevance.
Among the most significant milestones of WSO’s first year has been the establishment of the WSA. As the organisation’s educational pillar, WSA focuses on structured postgraduate education, clinical training and certification, international academic exchange, and the development of future leaders in oral healthcare.
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 the organisation to position itself as one of the key connectors between academia, industry and clinical practice. The future of oral healthcare lies in responsible innovation, supported by evidence-based practice and sustained through global collaboration.
Looking ahead, WSO is exploring initiatives that expand the role of oral healthcare beyond traditional clinical boundaries. A key area of focus is the intersection between oral health, healthcare systems and economic sustainability, with efforts directed towards developing platforms that bring together governments, healthcare institutions, academic experts and industry leaders.
This reflects an evolution in approach: from treating disease to shaping systems that improve access, affordability and long-term outcomes in oral health.
WSO’s strength lies in its people. Through the collective leadership of its council, founders, advisers, specialist leaders and fellows, the organisation continues to grow as a global ecosystem of knowledge, collaboration and leadership, driven by shared values and a common purpose.
As WSO marks its first anniversary, it stands at an important inflection point. The next phase will focus on strengthening academic frameworks, expanding international partnerships, supporting young professionals, advancing research and innovation, and contributing more meaningfully to global health policy.
The long-term aspiration is to evolve beyond an organisation into a global movement for oral health.
The first year of WSO has laid a strong foundation and demonstrated what can be achieved through cross-border collaboration and shared commitment. Looking ahead, colleagues, institutions and partners worldwide are invited to contribute to shaping the future of oral healthcare.