National Dental Association and Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Convene Future Healthcare Leaders for Interprofessional Student Leadership Colloquium
Colgate-supported program brings together students across five health disciplines to advance integrated care, leadership and health equity
NEWARK, N.J. — October 14, 2026 — The National Dental Association (NDA), in partnership with Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and with support from Colgate, will host the Interprofessional Student Leadership Colloquium December 3 & 4, 2026, in Newark, New Jersey.
The three-day program will bring together more than 100 emerging healthcare leaders from dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health to explore the critical connection between oral health and overall health and wellness. Through interprofessional dialogue, faculty-led discussions, collaborative learning, mentorship and leadership development, participants will examine how future healthcare professionals can work across disciplines to advance integrated, patient-centered care and more equitable health outcomes.
“The future of healthcare depends on our willingness to move beyond silos and educate the next generation of health professionals to see the patient as a whole,” said Dr. Wallace Bellamy, president of the National Dental Association (NDA). “This Colloquium represents an important investment in changing how healthcare is delivered by bringing oral health, prevention and whole-body health into the conversation from the beginning. By preparing future dentists, physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals to lead together, we are building a healthcare system that is more integrated, more preventive and better equipped to advance health equity.”
The Colloquium reflects NDA’s commitment to developing the healthcare workforce of the future and creating opportunities for students to understand oral health within the broader healthcare ecosystem. By bringing students together across professional disciplines, the program aims to challenge traditional silos and encourage participants to consider practical approaches to collaboration throughout their careers.
“Launched with a $2.5 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, our SPICE (Special Populations Interprofessional Care Experiences) program has become a national model. It brings together students from seven Rutgers schools to collaborate on patient cases. Our leadership has also played a key role in the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), helping to set competencies used across the country and around the world. With this experience and commitment, we are excited to co-host this Colloquium for the next generation of healthcare leaders, who will learn to treat patients holistically by drawing in insights from other disciplines,” said Cecile A. Feldman, dean of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.
Hosting the Colloquium with Rutgers School of Dental Medicine provides an academic environment in which students from different health professions can learn from one another, exchange perspectives and develop the collaborative skills needed to address complex health needs. Sessions throughout the program will address topics including medical-dental integration, interprofessional collaboration, leadership, mentorship, health equity and the role of oral health in overall wellness.
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine also holds a special connection to the NDA’s upcoming leadership.. The institution is the alma mater of Dr. Dorita Newsome-Dobbins, the NDA’s 103rd National President, who will be formally inaugurated during the Presidential Inaugural & Scholarship Gala on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The gala will bring together NDA members, dental professionals and partners to celebrate leadership, honor the Association’s legacy and support scholarships for future dental professionals.
The Colloquium and the Presidential Inaugural & Scholarship Gala, as well as CE courses and community events, are part of the broader NDA Transition Weekend, bringing together professional education, leadership development and the celebration of the Association’s next chapter. The partnership with Rutgers School of Dental Medicine underscores the importance of connecting academic institutions, professional organizations and emerging healthcare leaders in advancing the future of patient-centered care.
The Colloquium will convene a select cohort of more than 100 students currently enrolled in dental, medical, nursing, pharmacy and public health programs. Participants will engage with faculty, healthcare leaders and peers while exploring how cross-disciplinary collaboration can contribute to better patient outcomes and a more integrated healthcare system.
Colgate’s support of the Colloquium underscores the importance of strengthening oral health education and fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders.
The Interprofessional Student Leadership Colloquium represents an investment not only in individual students, but also in the future of healthcare. By fostering collaboration among emerging leaders across five health disciplines, NDA, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and Colgate are helping prepare a workforce equipped to advance more collaborative, integrated and equitable care.
About the National Dental Association
The National Dental Association (NDA) is committed to advancing oral health equity, supporting the professional development of dentists and dental students, and improving the health and well-being of communities. Through advocacy, education, leadership development and partnerships, NDA works to strengthen the dental profession and promote greater access to quality oral healthcare.
About Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) is New Jersey’s largest dental school and a leading center for dental education, research and patient care. As part of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, RSDM prepares the next generation of oral health professionals through rigorous education, clinical training, research and community engagement. The school is committed to advancing oral health and improving overall health through innovation, collaboration and service to diverse communities.