Leadership in academic dentistry.

The transformational changes occurring in academic dentistry are a response to many, different innovations as well as new demands, challenges, pressures and expectations. Despite dental schools and clinical academic centres having responded to rapid, multifaceted change, the ever increasingly complex and changing nature of oral healthcare provision, together with the growing body of evidence on the impact of oral health on general health and wellbeing at all ages, requires academic dentistry to redouble its efforts to remain fit for future purpose. Central to success in this demanding quest is strong, visionary leadership.