Recent News & Breakthroughs
Read the latest news stories from the Santa Fe Group, its programs and partners.

Report Calls for US to Align Equity and Emerging Science, Technology, and Innovation in Health and Medicine
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) presents a governance framework to align emerging science, technology, and innovation […]

For Health Equity, We Must Focus on Gender Equality
The quest for gender equality in healthcare extends beyond representation; it encompasses the need to address disparities faced by women of color, especially in medicine and dentistry. In this article, […]

September is Gum Care Month!
September is Gum Care Month! Your gums play a crucial role in supporting your teeth and overall oral health, so taking care of them is essential. Gum disease, or periodontal […]

Systemic Health in Autoimmune Disease: Dental Care is Critical
The Consortium for Medically Necessary Oral Health Coverage undertakes educational, community-building, and advocacy efforts to expand access to medically necessary oral health care. Take advantage of their resources, which include […]
Recent Santa Fe Group News
SFG Submits Letter to CMS in Support of Medically Necessary Dental Coverage
The Santa Fe Group drafted a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in response to their request for information/comments on Medicare Parts A and B Payment for medically necessary […]
SFG Receives “Special Recognition” Award from the Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund
The Santa Fe Group has been chosen as the recipient of the “Special Recognition” Award for 2022 from the Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund. This award is given to honor […]
In Memoriam
The Santa Fe Group is saddened today with the announcement of the passing of one of their Senior Scholars, E. Dianne Rekow, D.D.S., Ph.D. “It was a great pleasure to […]
SFG’s 2021 Annual Report
We are pleased to present our inaugural Santa Fe Group (SFG) Annual Report. This report marks our 25th anniversary as a neutral convener, communicator, and catalyst for change in advancing […]
Recent COVID-19 News
COVID-19 CHALLENGES AND CONSEQUENCES: Two Years and Still Not Over!
Executive Summary On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. By March 11, 2020, the number of cases […]
Update to Position Paper Series on COVID-19 Consequences and Challenges: A Look at April & May 2021
This June 1 position paper update on COVID-19 focuses on the progress that has been made since the end of March 2021, identifies new developments – including vaccine updates - and addresses the most pressing challenges still facing the healthcare community.
New Position Paper Series Focuses on COVID-19 Consequences
Examines the Role of Oral Health Care Providers in Current and Future Public Health Challenges The Santa Fe Group, an action-oriented think tank seeking to improve lives through oral health, […]
Santa Fe Group Coordinates Testing for Tomorrow [T4T] Collaborative
T4T Education & Industry leaders seek to Identify Best Point of Care Test The Santa Fe Group is proud to coordinate the Testing for Tomorrow [T4T] Collaborative and announce its […]
Recent Health News
Poor Dental Health May Increase Alzheimer’s Risk
A new study published on July 5 in Neurology has found an association between tooth loss, gum disease, or periodontal disease, and a shrinking of the brain area thought to […]
Improving Access to Oral Health Care: Integrating Dental Hygienists Into Federally Qualified Health Center Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics In Michigan
Dental hygienists (DHs) are well positioned to be part of primary care teams to increase access to oral health care, particularly for those who encounter barriers to oral care, such […]
Evidence Mounts for the Use of SDF
In 2017, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommended that silver diamine fluoride (SDF) be used “for the arrest of cavitated caries lesions in primary teeth as part of a comprehensive […]
Disabilities and Dental Care: Why More Must Be Done to Improve Access
Many people with disabilities have physical conditions that exacerbate dental problems. Access to dental care is also challenging for these individuals for a variety of reasons. As part of its […]
Recent Health Leadership News
Meharry School of Dentistry to Launch New Innovation Center for Dental Education
Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry will launch a new innovation center to house the latest in dental technology and materials to prepare students for modern-day dental practice. The center […]
Dennis Mitchell to Serve as Interim Provost
Dennis Mitchell, D.D.S., M.P.H., has been named Interim Provost, effective July 1, 2023. Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger praised Mitchell’s long record of service and contributions to the University […]
Founding Core of New KCU Dental School in Joplin
Linda Niessen, D.M.D, M.P.H., M.P.P., Founding Dean of Kansas City University’s College of Dental Medicine, has gathered around her a strong core of insightful female doctors to create the curriculum […]
Ann Battrell – In Memoriam
The Santa Fe Group is saddened with the announcement of the passing of Ann Battrell, M.S.D.H., CEO of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Ms. Battrell passed away on June 7, […]
Recent Medicare News
CMS Physician Payment Rule Advances Health Equity
CMS Physician Payment Rule Advances Health Equity On July 13, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the calendar year 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule to […]
CMS Overhauls Direct Contracting Model to Include New Requirements on Governance, Health Equity in 2023
In response to priorities of the Biden administration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has redesigned the Global and Professional Direct Contracting (GPDC) Model to add new requirements to […]
Nominations for Medically Necessary Dental Treatment Coverage
In accordance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) commitment to a continued review of scientific data pursuant to the expansion of Medicare Parts A and B Payment […]
Consortium for Medically Necessary Oral Health Coverage Issues Statement on Medicare Coverage
The Consortium for Medically Necessary Oral Health Coverage commended the Biden Administration for finalizing regulatory policy that will have a direct and meaningful impact [...]