Recent News & Breakthroughs
Stay up to date with the latest developments from the Santa Fe Group, a national leader in advancing oral health policy and promoting oral health equity. Here you’ll find news on initiatives to expand Medicare dental coverage, strengthen Medicaid dental benefits, and advocate for comprehensive dental care access for seniors, veterans, and vulnerable communities. From policy updates to public awareness campaigns, the Santa Fe Group shares evidence-based insights that connect oral health and overall health while driving innovation in care delivery.
SFG Comments on the CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule: Advancing Medical-Dental Integration in Medicare
On September 11, 2025, the Santa Fe Group submitted formal comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule (CMS-1832-P). Our letter applauds […]
Wellness Starts with a Healthy Smile: A Guide for National Wellness Month
As National Wellness Month comes to a close, it is a good time to pause and reflect on how we care for ourselves in body, mind, and spirit, and how […]
Santa Fe Group Welcomes Dr. Zachary A. Brian as Fellow
The Santa Fe Group is proud to officially welcome Dr. Zach Brian as a Fellow. Dr. Brian has long been a champion of equity in oral health, with a career […]
In Loving Memory: Dr. Mike C. Alfano
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Dr. Michael C. Alfano, a visionary leader, dedicated educator, and the last living Founder of the Santa Fe Group. Mike passed away […]
Santa Fe Group Featured in JACD Ethics Summit Proceedings
The Santa Fe Group is proud to have co-sponsored the 2024 Ethics Summit alongside the ACD Foundation, held in Rockville, Maryland. The latest issue of the Journal of the American […]
Stanley M. Bergman to Retire as CEO of Henry Schein
The Santa Fe Group recognizes and honors the remarkable leadership of Stanley M. Bergman, who has announced his retirement as Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc., effective December 2025. […]
Dr. Judi E. Haber Named 2025 AAN Living Legend
Santa Fe Group Board Member Dr. Judi Haber has been honored as a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest distinctions in the nursing profession. […]
Dr. Nader Nadershahi Joins the American Dental Association
The Santa Fe Group proudly celebrates board member Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi on his new appointment as Senior Vice President of Education/Professional Affairs at the American Dental Association. With decades […]
If We Treated Tooth Decay Like We Treat Heart Disease, We’d Save Billions
In a recently published MedCity News article, Dr. Terri Dolan asks a critical question: What If We Treated Tooth Decay Like Heart Disease? Drawing attention to the separation of dental […]
Projected Outcomes of Removing Fluoride From US Public Water Systems
In a May 2025 article published in JAMA Health Forum, Santa Fe Group board member Dr. Lisa Simon and Dr. Sung Eun Choi examine the potential consequences of removing fluoride […]
SFG’s Statement: Community Water Fluoridation Prevents Tooth Decay Throughout the Life Span
The Santa Fe Group (SFG) is deeply concerned about the announced intentions of the Administration to stop recommending community water fluoridation and the resulting long term impact on the United […]
Dr. Wendy Mouradian Honored with UW Dean’s Club Honorary Lifetime Award
On May 3, 2025, our esteemed emeritus member, Dr. Wendy Mouradian, received the 2025 Dean’s Club Honorary Lifetime Award from the University of Washington School of Dentistry. The award was […]
Canada Expands National Dental Care Plan: A Model for Equitable Access to Oral Health
As of May 1, 2025, the Government of Canada has expanded its publicly funded dental care program to include adults aged 55 to 64. This marks a major step in […]
Honoring a Public Health Pioneer: Dushanka Kleinman Receives Distinguished Terrapin Award
On April 17, 2025, the University of Maryland School of Public Health honored Dr. Dushanka Kleinman with the Distinguished Terrapin Award during its Dean’s Recognition Ceremony at the Samuel Riggs […]
SFG’s Statement: Oral Health Keeps America Healthy
The Santa Fe Group strongly supports the opportunity to keep America healthy. We are alarmed by recent decisions that undermine decades of progress in oral health. The U.S. Department of Health and […]
All Veterans Deserve Comprehensive Dental Care
The Coalition for Oral Health Policy (COHP), an initiative of the Santa Fe Group, is proud to share a new policy statement published in Health Affairs Forefront: All Veterans Deserve […]
2025 SFG Annual Business Meeting: Pre-Reading Materials
February 2–4, 2025, Sarasota, Florida As we prepare for our upcoming 2025 Annual Business Meeting, we’ve compiled the essential pre-reading materials to help set the stage for our discussions. These […]
Santa Fe Group Supports Dr. Solomon Brotman’s Proposals to the ADA Code Maintenance Committee
The Santa Fe Group has submitted a letter of support for Dr. Solomon G. Brotman’s proposed code changes to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Code Maintenance Committee (CMC). These proposals, […]
White Paper on Minimally Invasive Dental Care
Championing Minimally Invasive Care: Aligning Advocacy to Transform Oral Health The Minimally Invasive Care Advocacy white paper advocates for a shift in dental care practices toward more preventive, patient-centered, and […]
World AIDS Day and the Importance of Oral Health: A Vital Connection to Overall Wellbeing
Every year on December 1st, the world comes together to observe World AIDS Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, remember those lost to the disease, and support […]
Improving Veterans’ Oral Health: A Commitment to Service
Dr. Rick Valachovic, DMD, EdD, sheds light on the significant strides being made in veterans’ oral health care, highlighting both the challenges and the progress being made at NYU Dentistry. […]
Public Statement on Medicare Coverage of Medically Necessary Oral and Dental Health Therapies
The Santa Fe Group is one of over 250 signatories of a collaborative statement advocating for the integration of oral health into diabetes care. This initiative underscores the critical link […]
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day is a global campaign that reaches over one billion people in over 160 countries. It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, […]
Indigenous Peoples Day & Oral Health
Indigenous Peoples Day, celebrated on the second Monday of October, has its origins as a response to Columbus Day. The first official celebration occurred in 1992, coinciding with the 500th […]
Dental Hygiene Month
National Dental Hygiene Month is observed every October to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. It aims to promote the benefits of regular dental check-ups, proper […]
Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The month aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. […]
International Podcast Day
In 2014, National Podcast Day was celebrated and after quickly realizing the power of podcasts internationally, it was rebranded into what it is today: International Podcast Day, celebrated every year […]
Hispanic Heritage Month
Latinas and Latinos have always held significant roles throughout our country’s history, dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it provides an […]
Watch: “Why is healthcare disjointed?”
Watch Dr. Suzie Bergman’s recent TEDx talk about her personal and professional experience with TMD advocating for a more integrated approach to healthcare. By sharing her story, she highlights the […]
The Santa Fe Group Submits their Comments to the CMS on the CY 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
On September 9, 2024, the Santa Fe Group submitted their comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the proposals and request for information on Medicare Parts […]
HHS & CMS News | August 2024
August 1, 2024 — HHS Finalizes New Policies to Support Underserved Communities, Mitigate Drug Shortages, and Promote Patient Safety in Hospitals New Mandatory Model to Improve Health Outcomes Post-Surgery and […]
ADEAGies Foundation® Announces Recipients of the Gies Award for Eminence in Innovation, Gies Award for Eminence in Vision and Leadership and the Gies Award for Eminence in Achievement
The ADEAGies Foundation Gies Awards highlight the significant contributions of individuals, institutions and public/private partners whose work represents the highest order of Innovation, Achievement, Vision and Leadership. The honorees were chosen by […]
The new US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oral Health Director was announced: Dr. Gina Thornton-Evans
Dr. Gina Thornton-Evans, D.D.S., M.P.H., was recently appointed as the director of the Division of Oral Health (DOH) in CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. In […]
Proceedings of a Workshop | Whole-Person Oral Health Education
In February 2024, the National Academies Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education co-hosted a public workshop with Penn Dental Medicine to explore value proposition for oral health promotion and disease […]
WEF Article | Investing in Oral Health: Here’s Why the Time is Now
Almost half the world’s population – 3.5 billion people – are impacted by oral diseases that not only imperil their ability to eat or speak but also put them at […]
August is National Wellness Month
August is National Wellness Month. It encourages individuals to incorporate healthy routines into their daily lives. One aspect of wellness that often goes unnoticed is oral health. Our oral health […]
CMS Cross Cutting Initiative: Oral Health
As part of the CMS Strategic Plan, the Oral Health Cross-Cutting Initiative (CCI), led by the CMS Chief Dental Officer, Natalia I. Chalmers, DDS, MHSc, PhD, seeks to achieve equal […]
The Consortium Commends Regulatory Proposal
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing to further clarify Medicare payment, extending access to medically necessary oral care services to Medicare beneficiaries with End Stage Renal […]
HHS Proposes Physician Payment Rule to Drive Whole-Person Care and Improve Health Quality for All Individuals with Medicare
On July 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), proposed new policies in the calendar year (CY) […]
National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month
July is National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month (NCCAPM). Cleft and craniofacial conditions affect thousands of infants, children, teens and adults in the United States each year. Some […]
Quality Oral Health for the LGBTQ+ Population
Many LGBTQ+ individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma and discrimination that equate to a denial of their civil and human rights. Identified as a “health disparity population,” this […]
Resources: Dentistry and Mental Health
Packed with practical resources, discussing the bi-directional relationship between oral health and behavioral health, a framework for integrating behavioral health and oral health in predoctoral education, and resources that are […]
June: Men’s Health
Men’s Health Week, celebrated this year from June 10 – 16, honors the importance of the health and wellness of boys and men. It was created by Congress in 1994 […]
June: Oral Health Month
Let’s Talk Teeth: June is Oral Health Month! Not only does maintaining good oral health contribute to a winning smile, but it also plays a crucial role in our overall […]
National Smile Month 2024
National Smile Month is a charity campaign all about championing the benefits of having good oral health and promoting the value of a healthy smile. Between May 13 and June […]
Article: Caring for Older Americans’ Teeth and Gums is Essential, but …
… Medicare generally doesn’t cover that cost. To help make the medical profession pay more attention to the importance of healthy teeth and gums, Surgeon general, C. Everett Koop, would […]
WHITE PAPER: The Economic Rationale for a Global Commitment to Invest in Oral Health
This white paper from the World Economic Forum, written in partnership with the American Dental Association, Colgate-Palmolive Company and Henry Schein, outlines the economic rationale for investing in oral health. […]
AA and NHPI Heritage Month
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month! This month is an opportunity to recognize the many ways AA and NHPI history, culture, leadership, […]
Article: The Value of a Global Mindset
Across the globe, millions of people lack oral health care. Others are going to great lengths to access it. Almost half of the world’s population experiences oral diseases, and health […]
May: Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance started in 1949 by Mental Health America to bring attention to the importance of mental wellbeing. Across the country, individuals and […]
The Oral Cancer Foundation
During Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we direct our focus to the causes for hope for individuals with oral cancer. While the incidence of oral cancer is comparatively low, with these […]
Dr. Judith Haber Appointed to Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ Initiative
Judith Haber, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., F.A.A.N., Executive Director of the Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice Program (OHNEP), has been appointed to the National Scientific Advisory Group of the American Heart […]
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, an annual initiative to promote the prevention and early detection of these cancers. Oral cancer accounts for approximately three percent of all cancers diagnosed […]
Nader Nadershahi Reappointed to the California Health Workforce Education and Training Council
On March 13, Nader Nadershahi, D.D.S, M.B.A., Ed.D., Dean of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, was reappointed by California governor Gavin Newsom to the […]
Santa Fe Group Secures Grant from CareQuest Institute to Launch Coalition to Advocate for Oral Health Care Policy Reform
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has awarded a grant of $125,000 to the Santa Fe Group to establish a center to identify key issues facing the dental profession, prepare policy […]
Recipients of 2024 William J. Gies Awards
On March 11, at the 2024 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition, the 2024 William J. Gies Awards were presented to three recipients: Alison F. Doubleday, Ph.D, M.A., M.S. – the […]
Black History Month – Past, Present, Future
This Black History Month, we honor those Black Americans who have changed and are continuing to change the way we view and understand oral health and its importance for overall […]
Early Detection of Oral Cancer
A new test developed by University of Illinois Chicago researchers allows dentists to screen for the most common form of oral cancer with a simple and familiar tool: the brush. […]
The Santa Fe Group Submits Nomination of Dental Services for Medicare Coverage for Individuals With Diabetes
On February 2, 2024, the Santa Fe Group submitted their nomination to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to request coverage of medically necessary dental services for individuals […]
February is … Black History Month
Up until the late 1800s, Black dentists were nearly unheard of. When the first US dental school opened in 1840, Black students were denied the opportunity to apply. Black Americans […]
February is … Children’s Dental Health Month
Brought to the public by the American Dental Association, National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed every February. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, dental caries are four […]
Toothbrushing in Hospital Reduces Infections and Death
Toothbrushing is potentially more effective than antiseptic at reducing the oral microbiota because the mechanical action breaks up plaque and other biofilms. Yet, guidelines have focused very little on brushing as […]
A Tribute to Harold C. Slavkin, D.D.S.
A Tribute to Harold C. Slavkin, D.D.S. Harold C. Slavkin, D.D.S., a founding member of the Santa Fe Group, was an internationally renowned dentist, scientist, educator, and science administrator and […]
Medical-Dental Integration Shepherds Dentistry Into Healthcare to Improve Outcomes
The November 2023 issue of Inside Dentistry features an article that examines how the incorporation of dental preventive care into medical care not only closes gaps regarding access but also […]
