A defining step toward whole-person health has been taken.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has formally integrated oral health into the Medicare Quality Payment Program through a newly approved MIPS Improvement Activity in the CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. For the first time, physicians and other eligible clinicians will be recognized for incorporating oral health screening, counseling, and referral into everyday primary care practice.

This milestone represents years of steady advocacy grounded in science and aligned with patient need. It elevates oral health as a national priority, strengthens medical–dental collaboration, and lays the groundwork for future coverage and payment reforms.

The new Improvement Activity enables, recognizes, and incentivizes clinicians to:

• Conduct oral health risk assessments and intraoral screenings
• Provide education about oral hygiene and the oral–systemic connection
• Refer patients to dental care when concerns arise
• Complete two free Smiles for Life training modules to support integration

This achievement reflects the partnership and persistence of the Santa Fe Group (SFG), the Coalition for Oral Health Policy (COHP), the Consortium for Medically Necessary Oral Health Coverage, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, and many others who have worked for decades to bridge siloed systems.

The next challenge—and opportunity—is implementation. SFG remains committed to supporting clinicians, strengthening referral networks, advancing evaluation, and partnering with federal agencies to sustain momentum.