The Santa Fe Group remembers and honors Dr. Michael C. Alfano, our co-founder, friend, and mentor, whose leadership and vision helped shape a more equitable future in oral health. His impact lives on in the work we continue every day.

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AUGUST  

As we move through August and reflect on what it means to care for ourselves and others, National Wellness Month reminds us to slow down and prioritize health in all its forms, including oral health. This month includes two fun reminders of the importance of prevention and daily care: National Fresh Breath Day (August 6) and Tooth Fairy Day (August 22).

Whether it’s honoring healthy routines or celebrating the small rituals that shape oral wellness across the lifespan, August is a chance to reconnect with the basics: brushing, flossing, laughing, breathing easy.

JOURNALS, REPORTS & WHITE PAPERS

Erosive Tooth Wear and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: An Interdisciplinary Management for a Relevant Dental Problem 

Kim Attanasi, Ashok Hospattankar.
This recent review highlights the connection between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erosive tooth wear, emphasizing prevention, early detection, and the role of interdisciplinary care.

The Political Determinants of Oral Health Inequalities: Lessons in Policy Development and Implementation from Six Case Studies

The aim of this paper is to describe national policy development processes for policies impacting population oral health.

From Convening to Coalition – A National Call to Advance Oral Health

Anita Duhl Glicken, K. John Pournoor, Diptee Ojha, Carline M. Durocher, Brett Kessler
This article outlines a vision for collective action to improve oral health in the United States and highlights how collaboration across sectors can drive policy change, expand access, and advance health equity through a unified national strategy.

CMS Releases Proposed CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued its proposed rule outlining payment policies, rates, and quality provisions for services under Medicare Part B in calendar year 2026. The rule includes updates relevant to physicians, dental professionals, and other healthcare providers.

State-Level Costs of Removing Fluoride from Community Water Systems

Addressing chronic conditions and promoting preventive health are priorities under the current administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) platform. However, policies recently implemented under the MAHA program directly challenge established public health measures meant to promote oral health among the U.S. population.

AROUND THE WORLD

The Silent Crisis: Why Oral Health Deserves a Seat at the Global Health Table

Oral health has long been neglected in global health discussions, despite its profound impact on billions of lives worldwide. With inequalities stark and preventable diseases rampant, the time has come to shift from neglect to action, integrating oral health into universal health coverage and making it a cornerstone of global health equity.

00:38:25 minutes

The separation of oral and physical health has created a significant crisis in the US, leaving millions without access to affordable dental care despite its crucial link to overall well-being. Melissa Burroughs, Director of Public Policy at the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, discusses the historical reasons for this divide and its modern consequences.

September 30, 2025 | Live CE Webinar
Colgate Oral Health Network & Santa Fe Group

Older Adults and Oral Diseases: Benefits from Early Intervention, Emerging Technology and Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Presenters: Elisa Chávez, DDS; Teresa A. Dolan, DDS, MPH;
Linda Niessen, DMD, MPH, MPP & Lisa Simon, MD, DMD

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