Published: 30 July 2026
Globally, the population is ageing and this continues to drive efforts to help older adults maintain good oral health as part of their overall health and wellbeing. In line with this, a new Thematic Network under the ASEAN University Network (AUN) was established on 24 July 2026.
The founding institutions for the new AUN-Geriatric Dentistry Thematic Network (AUN-GDENT) are Universiti Malaya, the National University of Singapore, Universitas Indonesia and Khon Kaen University. Professor Jacob John, Professor Linda Kusdhany, Professor Waranuch Pitiphat and Associate Professor Wong Mun Loke from the dental faculties in these universities jointly brought the proposal to fruition.
AUN-GDENT is anchored on a five-year plan to champion inter-professional education and build capacity in collaborative oral healthcare for older adults within the ASEAN healthcare ecosystem. Through strategic educational and research endeavours, AUN-GDENT seeks to inform policies and shape programmes to improve the oral health and quality of life of older adults in the region. AUN-GDENT founding institutions will steer efforts to engage with other universities in the AUN as well as a diverse range of stakeholders to accomplish AUN-GDENT’s goals of bringing health to older adults through healthy smiles.
(From left to right) Professor Linda Kusdhany, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Indonesia; Professor Firdaus Hariri, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya; Professor Chris Peck, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore; Professor Jacob John, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya; Associate Professor Wong Mun Loke, Vice Dean (Education), Faculty of Dentistry, National University of Singapore (Not in picture: Professor Waranuch Pitiphat, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University)
For more information on AUN, please visit ASEAN University Network and for details about other AUN Thematic Networks, these can be found at Thematic Networks | Discover AUN | Asean University Network.
Associate Professor Wong Mun Loke
“Oral health is an integral part of healthy longevity. The AUN-GDENT Thematic Network reflects a collective aspiration to make an impactful difference on the oral health and holistic wellbeing of older adults. Through the collaborative and inter-professional efforts of a diverse range of stakeholders including educators, researchers and clinicians, this Network will champion evidence-informed oral health promotion efforts among older adults and thereby enhance their quality of life.”
Professor Chris Peck, Dean, NUS Faculty of Dentistry
“I am proud that NUS Dentistry is a founding member of the AUN-GDENT Thematic Network. This initiative exemplifies what can be achieved when ASEAN universities work together with a shared vision — to improve health and well-being through improved oral health across the lifespan. As our populations age, the need for inter-professional, cross-border collaboration in geriatric dentistry has never been greater, and this network provides the ideal platform to drive education, research, and policy change that will benefit older adults throughout the region.”
The AUN-GDENT is also mentioned in NUS News’ broader story about the AUN here.
