Internationalisation: a ‘new horizon’ for dental education and research

Abstract

Internationalisation may be defined as a series of processes whereby an institute strives to increase its influence and effectiveness through global networking. In higher education, this offers opportunities to enhance communication and mobilisation between educational systems. To be globally competitive, the international university of the future must embrace digital technology, online courses and ongoing lifetime learning, especially for alumni to facilitate networks of global expertise. Oral disease neither recognises nor respects international boundaries, nor therefore should dental education, research and clinical expertise which are highly valued commodities in society. For dentistry, internationalisation offers real opportunities to influence and promote the highest standards of oral health education and clinical practice throughout the world. The international university of the future must recognise the importance of setting the highest standards for oral health across the world while maintaining regional structures and priorities.