Noel Martin Visiting Chair Seminar-19 March

Abstract

Presentation Topic:

Realigning Research with Population Impact: Global Strategies- Prof Habib Benzian This presentation will examine how academic institutions can respond to these global recommendations by aligning curricula, research strategy, and funding priorities with the broader NCD agenda. Oral health is not a peripheral specialty issue, but a test case for whether research ecosystems are prepared to translate knowledge into equitable population impact. These recommendations carry significant implications for dental and medical education and research. They challenge universities to rebalance portfolios toward population health, prevention, and system design; to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration across dentistry, medicine, and public health; and to build capacity in implementation science and health policy analysis. They also raise questions about funding structures that continue to privilege biomedical discovery over delivery and system performance. Oral diseases are among the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases, yet oral health research remains fragmented and often disconnected from mainstream NCD agendas. The WHO Global Oral Health Action Plan sets out clear research and monitoring priorities, calling for stronger surveillance systems, implementation research, health systems evidence, and equity focused approaches that move beyond narrow clinical paradigms.