Recent News & Breakthroughs
Read the latest news stories from the Santa Fe Group, its programs and partners.
The Oral Cancer Foundation
During Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we direct our focus to the causes for hope for individuals with oral cancer. While the incidence of oral cancer is comparatively low, with these […]
Dr. Judith Haber Appointed to Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ Initiative
Judith Haber, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., F.A.A.N., Executive Director of the Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice Program (OHNEP), has been appointed to the National Scientific Advisory Group of the American Heart […]
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, an annual initiative to promote the prevention and early detection of these cancers. Oral cancer accounts for approximately three percent of all cancers diagnosed […]
Nader Nadershahi Reappointed to the California Health Workforce Education and Training Council
On March 13, Nader Nadershahi, D.D.S, M.B.A., Ed.D., Dean of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, was reappointed by California governor Gavin Newsom to the […]
Recent Santa Fe Group News
Santa Fe Group Secures Grant from CareQuest Institute to Launch Coalition to Advocate for Oral Health Care Policy Reform
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has awarded a grant of $125,000 to the Santa Fe Group to establish a center to identify key issues facing the dental profession, prepare policy […]
Recipients of 2024 William J. Gies Awards
On March 11, at the 2024 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition, the 2024 William J. Gies Awards were presented to three recipients: Alison F. Doubleday, Ph.D, M.A., M.S. – the […]
Black History Month – Past, Present, Future
This Black History Month, we honor those Black Americans who have changed and are continuing to change the way we view and understand oral health and its importance for overall […]
The Santa Fe Group Submits Nomination of Dental Services for Medicare Coverage for Individuals With Diabetes
On February 2, 2024, the Santa Fe Group submitted their nomination to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to request coverage of medically necessary dental services for individuals […]
Recent Health News
Early Detection of Oral Cancer
A new test developed by University of Illinois Chicago researchers allows dentists to screen for the most common form of oral cancer with a simple and familiar tool: the brush. […]
February is … Black History Month
Up until the late 1800s, Black dentists were nearly unheard of. When the first US dental school opened in 1840, Black students were denied the opportunity to apply. Black Americans […]
February is … Children’s Dental Health Month
Brought to the public by the American Dental Association, National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed every February. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, dental caries are four […]
Toothbrushing in Hospital Reduces Infections and Death
Toothbrushing is potentially more effective than antiseptic at reducing the oral microbiota because the mechanical action breaks up plaque and other biofilms. Yet, guidelines have focused very little on brushing as […]
Recent Health Leadership News
GoMo Health Welcomes Dr. Judith Haber to Advisory Board
Judith Haber, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., F.A.A.N., Professor Emerita at the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing and Executive Director of the Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice (OHNEP) Program, […]
Opinion: How to Combat Racism and Bias in Dentistry
In this op ed article published on November 8, 2023, in the California Health Report, Elisa M. Chávez, D.D.S., discusses disparities in oral health care and highlights some of the […]
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, […]
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 […]
Recent Medical-Dental Integration News
Medical-Dental Integration Shepherds Dentistry Into Healthcare to Improve Outcomes
The November 2023 issue of Inside Dentistry features an article that examines how the incorporation of dental preventive care into medical care not only closes gaps regarding access but also […]
Integrating Oral Health Into Primary Care Is ‘Critical,’ But ‘There Is a Long Way To Go’
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force announced on November 7, 2023, that there was not yet enough evidence to officially recommend oral health screening and preventive interventions for adults and […]
Recent Medicare News
Proposed Rule to Include Adult Dental Coverage as an Essential Health Benefit on the ACA Exchanges
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published on November 24, 2023, in the Federal Register a proposed rule that would allow states to include adult dental services as […]
CMS Takes Important Steps in Addressing Coverage Gaps and Inconsistencies in Essential Health Benefits
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that it is taking important steps to remove barriers to coverage for adult dental care. In the annual Notice of […]
Public Statement on Medicare Coverage of Medically Necessary Oral and Dental Health Therapies
The Consortium for Medically Necessary Oral Health Coverage welcomes the final Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2024 as another important step forward for Medicare beneficiaries and oral systemic health. “By […]
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 […]