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Honoring Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the contributions of women who have shaped science, health care, and public health. Across the oral health community, women are leading important work in research, clinical care, policy, and education.

In this issue, we highlight articles and thought leadership from women across the Santa Fe Group network, all leaders throughout the broader oral health community. Their work spans topics such as oral-systemic integration, health equity, interprofessional collaboration, and the evolving role of dentistry in improving overall health.

MUST READS

The Case for Oral-Systemic Integration: Is Dental Artificial Intelligence the Missing Link?

By Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh, DMD, Teresa A. Dolan, DDS, and Natalia I. Chalmers, DDS, MHSc, PhD
This article explores how artificial intelligence in dentistry could help strengthen oral-systemic integration by improving collaboration between dental and medical care and supporting earlier detection of health conditions.

Projected Outcomes of Removing Fluoride from US Public Water Systems

By Lisa Simon, MD, DMD and Sung Eun Choi, SM, PhD
Removing fluoride from public water systems could have significant impacts on oral health outcomes. This analysis examines the potential consequences for cavity prevention, public health costs, and population oral health across the United States.

Practice Characteristics of Women Dentists

By Linda C. Niessen DMD, MPH, MPP, Dushanka V. Kleinman DDS, MScD, and Ardell A. Wilson DDS, MPH
Examining the evolving role of women in dentistry, this study explores practice patterns, professional experiences, and the characteristics that have shaped the contributions of women dentists within the profession.

Making the Case for Interprofessional Education and Practice Collaboration to Address Rising Rates of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancers

By Judi Haber, PhD, APRN, FAAN, Erin Hartnett, DNP, PCNP-BC, CPNP, FAAN, Lauren M. Feldman, DMD, Jessamin E. Cipollina, MA
Addressing the rise in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers requires stronger collaboration across health professions. This article highlights the role of interprofessional education and practice in improving prevention, early detection, and coordinated patient care.

Opinion: How to Combat Racism and Bias in Dentistry

By Elisa M. Chávez, DDS
Bias and systemic racism continue to affect access to care and patient experiences in dentistry. This opinion piece explores steps the profession can take to address inequities and promote a more inclusive and equitable oral health workforce.

Impact of Making Dental Care Affordable on Quality of Life in Adults Aged 45 Years and Older

By Shillpa Naavaal, Susan O. Griffin, and Judith A. Jones, DDS, MPH, DScD
Affordable dental care can play a critical role in improving overall well-being. This study examines how increased access to dental services may enhance quality of life for adults aged 45 and older.

Integrating Oral Health and Primary Care in the Changing Health Care Landscape

By Kathryn A. Atchison, DDS, MPH and Jane A. Weintraub
As health care systems evolve, integrating oral health with primary care is becoming increasingly important. This article examines opportunities to strengthen collaboration between dental and medical providers to support more comprehensive patient care.

What Primary Care Innovation Teaches Us About Oral Health Integration

By Ann Claire Greiner, MCP and Anita Duhl Glicken, MSW
Innovations in primary care offer valuable insights for advancing oral health integration. This article explores how lessons from medical care models can support more coordinated, patient-centered approaches that better connect oral health with overall health systems.

AROUND THE WORLD

Oral Health Needs to Be Presented as an Integral Part of Everyday Life, Not as a Separate Issue

In Ireland, oral health leaders are emphasizing the need to view oral health as an integral part of everyday life rather than a separate issue. In this interview, Irish dental leader Dr. Geraldine Byrne discusses the importance of prevention, public awareness, and integrating oral health into broader health conversations.

MUST WATCH

Speakers: Elisa Chávez, DDS, Teresa A. Dolan, DDS, MPH, Linda Niessen, DMD, MPH, MPP, and Lisa Simon, MD, DMD

Older adults face unique oral health challenges that require timely and thoughtful care. This webinar explores how early intervention, emerging technologies, and minimally invasive approaches can help improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for aging populations.

Length: 00:35:45

In this podcast conversation, Dr. Maria Ryan shares insights on the growing understanding of the oral-systemic connection and the role dental professionals play in supporting overall health and disease prevention.

REASON TO SMILE

Pioneering Smiles: The Impact of Women Leading Dental Practices

Women are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of dentistry. This article highlights how women leading dental practices are advancing innovation, patient care, and leadership across the profession.

October 28, 2026 | Live CE Webinar

Colgate Oral Health Network & Santa Fe Group

A Love Ethic and Dentistry: The Most Basic Premise to Stand On

Speaker: Rayna Strong, DMD, MBE
Exploring the role of compassion and ethics in oral health care, this webinar reflects on how a “love ethic” can guide dental professionals in fostering trust, equity, and patient-centered care within the profession.

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