To view this email as a web page, click here.

Santa Fe Group Announces
2026 Leadership Transition

Effective January 1, 2026, the Santa Fe Group welcomes a new leadership chapter. Dushanka V. Kleinman becomes President, Nader A. Nadershahi steps into the role of Vice President, and Ralph Fuccillo transitions to Immediate Past President. Together, they reflect continuity, experience, and a shared commitment to advancing oral health through prevention, access, and integrated care.

MUST READS

Henry Schein Names Frederick M. Lowery as Chief Executive Officer

Henry Schein, Inc., recently announced the appointment of Frederick M. Lowery as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2, 2026, at which time he will join the Board of Directors. Mr. Lowery succeeds Stanley M. Bergman, who will step down as CEO after 35 years and continue to serve as Chairman of the Board to ensure a smooth and effective leadership transition.

CMS Announces $50 Billion in Awards to Strengthen Rural Health in All 50 States

CMS announced $50 billion in new awards to strengthen rural health care across all 50 states, supporting hospitals, clinics, workforce development, and access to care in underserved rural communities.

CDA-convened coalition of 70-plus groups fights to stop $1B cuts to Medi-Cal Dental

CDA has organized more than 70 California health care provider groups, labor and workforce advocates and children’s advocacy organizations to support preserving essential Medi-Cal Dental funding.

Key Dental Market Trends to Watch in 2026

The dental market is entering 2026 in a state of transformation. Market trends point to elevated utilization after several years of deferred care, margins across the industry have tightened, and evolving federal programs are changing how many Americans access oral health benefits.

Senate passes FY 2026 interior spending package

A Senate-approved appropriations package includes increased funding for Indian Health Service, or IHS, dental programs. Specifically, it provides $260 million for the IHS Dental Program, a $6 million increase over fiscal year 2025.

U.S. dental practices face a fiscal squeeze heading into 2026 — here are the top 10 signals

American Dental Association (ADA) says new data from its Health Policy Institute (HPI) show U.S. dental practices remain under sustained financial pressure, driven by softening demand for care and rising operating costs.

AROUND THE WORLD

Tens of thousands of Irish kids graduating from primary school without getting teeth checked

Children are graduating from primary school in Ireland without ever receiving any of the three dental checks they are supposed to get in school due to a shortage of dentists.

Length: 00:12:07

This podcast episode discusses the senior oral healthcare crisis in the United States, focusing on the challenges faced by seniors, the importance of education and outreach, financial barriers to care, and the necessity of listening to patients' needs. Experts Dr. Candace Mitchell and Dr. Usman Ahmad share insights on how to improve oral health for seniors as we approach 2026, emphasizing community involvement and comprehensive care.

REASON TO SMILE

DentaQuest Funds Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry

DentaQuest, part of Sun Life U.S., recently announced a $30,000 contribution to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics. The donation supports the college’s Geriatric and Special Needs Dentistry Program, which addresses complex challenges related to aging and special needs and provides comprehensive dental services to these vulnerable populations.