05 August 2025
King's College London Welcomes Ivoclar Summer School to the UK for the First Time
Travel. Learn. Connect. In summer 2025, King’s College London proudly partnered with the Ivoclar Group to host the UK’s first edition of the Ivoclar Summer School – a global initiative dedicated to advancing dental education through hands-on learning and international collaboration.
As one of Europe’s leading institutions for dental education, King’s College London was delighted to support this innovative programme, which brought together dental students from around the world for a week of immersive training and professional exchange. The Summer School, now in its fourth year, reflects Ivoclar’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of dental professionals – a mission that aligns closely with King’s own values of academic excellence and global engagement.
A New Chapter in International Dental Education
The 2025 Summer School marked a significant milestone: for the first time, the programme was held in the United Kingdom, hosted at King’s College London’s state-of-the-art London Dental Education Centre (LonDEC). This collaboration was made possible through an agreement signed in December 2024 between Executive Dean Professor Michael Escudier and LonDEC Director Bill Sharpling, in partnership with Ivoclar CEO Markus Heinz.
King’s provided its advanced clinical training facilities and the expertise of its academic staff, while Ivoclar supplied all course materials and logistical support. Together, the two institutions delivered a dynamic five-day programme featuring practical workshops, interdisciplinary case studies, and lectures from international experts.
“We are very pleased to have welcomed the Ivoclar Summer School to King’s,” said Professor Michael Escudier. “This initiative offers our students a unique opportunity to engage with peers from across the globe, gain hands-on experience, and broaden their understanding of dentistry beyond the classroom. It’s a valuable complement to our curriculum and a promising start to what we hope will be a long-term partnership.”
Global Reach, Local Impact
In 2025, the Summer School took place across nine international locations, including Germany, India, China, Austria, Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, Liechtenstein, and now the UK. More than 25 countries were represented among the participants, underscoring the programme’s emphasis on cross-cultural exchange and global learning.
King’s College London is proud to have played a role in this transformative educational experience, helping to shape the future of dentistry through collaboration, innovation, and excellence in teaching.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Ivoclar Summer School will return in 2026, continuing its mission to support dental students at the start of their clinical journey. Applications will open in autumn, with details to be announced in due course.
King’s College London looks forward to building on this successful collaboration and continuing to provide meaningful opportunities for students to travel, learn, and connect.