Empowering the next generation of regenerative dentistry leaders
A Global Initiative with Local Impact
Launched in Bangkok in 2017, the Geistlich Next Generation Round Table has grown into a global platform dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in regenerative dentistry. Spanning Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe (EU), and Latin America (LATAM) the program combined mentorship, education, and community building over a multi-year journey.
“We started this program because there was a lack of young, motivated key opinion leaders, especially in Asia Pacific. We wanted to build a new generation of speakers and bring the young community together.”[Roman Schelling, Geistlich Pharma AG, Switzerland]
Building an International Community
Cross-Regional Collaboration and Lifelong Friendships
More than just a training initiative, the Round Table fostered a strong sense of global camaraderie. Participants met regularly in dynamic locations, gaining exposure to new clinical ideas and forming lasting friendships. This international perspective helped these young clinicians broaden their horizons beyond the limits of their local practice environments.
"It brings me the opportunity to meet people around the world […] and it helps to connect and to share ideas, to share cases, to learn more about what is investigated in other countries." [Patricia Solano, Spain]
Learning from Renowned Mentors
Academic, Clinical, and Communication Excellence
Participants benefited from the guidance of four world-renowned mentors from leading academic institutions. The curriculum covered a broad range of essential skills including:
- Public speaking and presentation
- Clinical photography
- Study design and manuscript writing
- Career development and planning
This holistic approach helped participants become more confident, competent, and visible within the field of regenerative dentistry.
"The program covered a lot of the things that we want to learn as a young clinician from public speaking, from documentation, from case presentation, storytelling to research methodology." [Alfonso Gil, Spain]
"What I would say as the best part is getting to know all the mentors about whom we used to read articles and books like Frank Schwarz and Isabella Rocchietta, István Urban, Nadja Nänni." [Dhruv Arora, India]
"This program really boosted my confidence as a young clinician." [Daylene Leong, Singapore]
A Global Milestone in Budapest
In a final gathering, 44 of the 64 program participants convened in Budapest for a global event that included three days of workshops, clinical case presentations, and mentorship. For many, it was the first opportunity to benchmark their skills against peers from across continents, an experience that was both humbling and energizing.
“This has been a great initiative from Geistlich. We had an amazing time, and we had the huge opportunity to meet our young colleagues from all over the world.” [Lorenzo Fiscalini, Switzerland]
“We present and then we self-evaluate, and we realize that these are the points where you want to pick up on the pace. This is where you want to change.” [Meet Shah, India]
A New Chapter: Osteology Connects
Regional Alumni Networks Take the Lead
Though the formal program has concluded, its legacy continues. Osteology Foundation and Geistlich have joined forces, united by a shared commitment to scientific excellence, ethical integrity, and high-quality education. Three regional alumni groups will now organize peer-led events titled Osteology Connects under the patronage of the Osteology Foundation.
All program content adheres to the Osteology Foundation’s education standards, namely scientific evidence, ethical integrity, clearly defined learning objectives, transparency regarding conflicts of interest, and minimal use of product names, ensuring high-quality, unbiased, and effective continuing education.
Transformative Results
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Many described the experience as transformative, not just professionally, but personally. The program underscored that, when supported by the right mentors and peers, young dental professionals can rise to meet, and redefine the future of regenerative dentistry.
“We have created a network here and it's a family that I really genuinely every year […] it's one of the things I most look forward to attending because I know I'm going to be surrounded by great friends.” [Viraj Patel, UK]
“It felt like I was part of something that made me grow both as a person and a professional.” [Túlio Pignaton, Brazil]
“I can safely say it made me a better clinician. It helped me with my career development, speaker development, and created strong connections within the community.” [Victoria Ivancheva, UK]
“Discussing cases and discussing procedures with the peers from Europe, from all around the world, in the end, it enriches you and sometimes it also gives you just a different perspective on the things that you would never think of. And this is not just in the field of dentistry, but on everyday life, how to cope with patients, how to document, and I think that was the biggest message that in the end, we are all going through similar approaches towards patients, towards peers and geographical location in the end does not play a role. Human being is human being wherever you go.” [Miha Pirc, Slovenia]
“They have become, I would say, key opinion leaders now. They can already be mentors for other generations—this growth has been tremendous.” [Prof. Rui Figueiredo, Mentor, Spain]
Want to grow as a future leader in regenerative dentistry?
Stay connected with Geistlich and the Osteology Foundation to hear about upcoming training opportunities and alumni events.