February is a month to focus on oral health, with two important observances taking center stage. National Children’s Dental Health Month highlights the importance of starting healthy dental habits early, while Gum Disease Awareness Month reminds us of the connection between gum health and overall well-being. Let’s take this opportunity to raise awareness and promote healthier smiles for all ages!

JOURNALS, REPORTS & WHITE PAPERS

Availability of Dental Benefits Within Medicare Advantage Plans by Enrollment and County

Lisa Simon, MD, DMD; Marko Vujicic, PhD; and Kamyar Nasseh, PhD
This study explores the availability of dental benefits within Medicare Advantage plans, analyzing enrollment data and geographical disparities across counties. It sheds light on how dental coverage varies and impacts access to care.

How States Can Use New Federal Grants to Drive Health Equity Through Cross-System Collaboration

This report discusses how states can leverage new federal grants to address health inequities by fostering collaboration between various health systems, including dental care, to improve outcomes for underserved populations.

A Conceptual Model on Caregivers’ Hesitancy of Topical Fluoride for their Children

This article presents a conceptual model addressing caregivers’ hesitancy towards using topical fluoride treatments for children, providing insights into the factors influencing these decisions.

Beyond Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: Tackling Oral Health Risks of Ultraprocessed Foods

This research highlights the growing concern around ultraprocessed foods and their role in increasing oral health risks beyond just sugary drinks, urging a broader approach to diet and dental care.

Suboptimal Oral Health, Multimorbidity, and Access to Dental Care

This study examines the connection between poor oral health, multimorbidity, and limited access to dental care, revealing how these factors contribute to broader health challenges.

AROUND THE WORLD

The Political Economy of Priority Setting and Resource Allocation in European Oral Health Policy

This article explores the political and economic factors influencing oral health policy in Europe, focusing on how resources are allocated to address dental health priorities across different countries.

Navigating the Divide Between Oral and General Healthcare

22:27 minutes

Join us for an enlightening conversation with top experts in the fields of dentistry and medicine. Dr. Deb Fuller, Dr. Maria Ryan, and Dr. Judi Haber discuss the historical divide between oral health and overall healthcare, and how we can begin to bridge that gap with strategic collaboration between nursing, dentistry, and medicine.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 6, 2025 | Live CE Webinar
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health & the American Dental Association
Starting Strong: The Importance of the Age One Dental Visit

February 12, 2025 | Webinar
Immersify Education
Innovating Dental Education in 2025: Interdisciplinary Insights and Digital Strategies

March 4 – 5, 2025 | Virtual
American Institute of Dental Public Health
Dental Care as a Human Right: Advancing Oral Health Justice Through Community Empowerment

March 12 – 15, 2025 | New York, NY
American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
2025 AADOCR / CADR Annual Meeting & Exhibition