Recent News & Breakthroughs
Read the latest news stories from the Santa Fe Group, its programs and partners.
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 […]
Spending on Emergency Care Due to Nontraumatic Dental Conditions in the United States
As the only possible source of oral healthcare for those who have no dental insurance coverage, emergency departments are increasingly used to address nonurgent oral health problems in the United […]
Public Statement on Medicare Coverage of Medically Necessary Oral and Dental Health Therapies
Most Medicare beneficiaries are unable to receive oral and dental care even when it is medically necessary for the treatment of Medicare-covered diseases. Historically, Medicare coverage has extended to the […]
Historic Meeting: AMA & ADA Presidents Discuss IDD Policy Change at AADMD Conference
For the first time in history, the Presidents of the American Medical Association (AMA), Gerald E. Harmon, MD, and the American Dental Association (ADA), Cesar Sabates, DDS, were brought together […]
Recent Santa Fe Group News
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 […]
Nader Nadershahi has been appointed to the Health Workforce Education and Training Council
Nader Nadershahi, 51, of San Rafael, has been appointed to the Health Workforce Education and Training Council. Nadershahi has been Dean of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni […]
In Memoriam, Art Dugoni, 1925-2020
“It is impossible for me to pick one vignette which adequately captures the scores of interactions with my dear friend, colleague, role model, mentor and fellow Santa Fe Group Founding Member, […]
Santa Fe Group Congratulates Dr. Michael C. Alfano and Assistant Surgeon General Dr. Timothy L. Ricks on their Shils Fund Awards
The Santa Fe Group congratulates founding member and immediate past president Dr. Michael C. Alfano, and Senior Scholar Dr. Timothy L. Ricks, as tonight, Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30pm EST […]
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](https://santafegroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/t4t-main.jpg "Santa Fe Group Coordinates Testing for Tomorrow [T4T] Collaborative")
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
June Is Oral Health Month!
June is national oral health month in the United States. Supported by the American Dental Association (ADA), oral health month serves as a reminder of the importance of good oral […]
9th Annual Linda C. Niessen Geriatric Dentistry Symposium
April 26, 2022 For nine consecutive years, the Linda C. Niessen Geriatric Dentistry Symposium has been addressing key topics to help to improve dental treatment outcomes in older adults. The […]
Your Teeth Are Worth Saving – May Is Save Your Tooth Month!
Our teeth: a gateway to nutrition, a way to signal our emotions, and a reflection of overall good health. Our teeth are truly worth respecting, preserving, and saving. Before the […]
Association Between Preventive Dental Care and Healthcare Cost for Patients With Diabetes or Coronary Artery Disease
The two-way link between periodontitis and diabetes has been highlighted in numerous studies in recent years—yet the impact of preventive dental treatments on diabetes control remains unclear. Likewise, while researchers […]
Recent Health Leadership News
Overjet Receives Second FDA Clearance for Caries Assist
Overjet has received FDA clearance for Caries Assist, the AI-powered dental caries detection and outlining software for chairside aid and patient communication. Following the FDA clearance last year of Overjet’s […]
PNWU Appointed Founding Dean for Developing School of Dental Medicine. Congratulations Dr. Panagakos!
The Santa Fe Group congratulates Dr. Fotinos Panagakos, who has recently been appointed Founding Dean of the developing School of Medicine at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU). With […]
Congratulations to Dr. Niessen and Kansas City University
On March 1, Kansas City University’s (KCU) College of Dental Medicine (CDM) announced that it has received initial accreditation status from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). With initial accreditation […]
Innovation Center to Develop Solutions in Oral Health
Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry Launched at UPenn On January 22, the Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry (CiPD) was launched with a virtual program that included participants from […]
Recent Medicare News
Medicare for All – Act of 2022
Last week, US Senator Bernie Sanders introduced his Medicare for All Act of 2022 in the senate. Fourteen other senators are cosponsoring the bill, which would establish a federally administered […]
2021 Santa Fe Group Updated Plan and Cost Estimates for Medicare Part B Dental Coverage
As policies to improve dental care benefits for seniors are currently being evaluated by Congress, the Santa Fe Group has provided an updated plan for Medicare Part B expansion and an Expanded Dental Benefit. In this addendum, cost estimates for these plans are detailed.
Dental Coverage Under Medicare: Seeking Solutions
Approximately half of all Medicare beneficiaries having no dental care coverage at all while evidence continues to prove a strong link between oral disease and serious – even life-threatening – comorbidities.
First Comprehensive Study on Preventive Dental Care and Medicaid Costs
A recently published study demonstrates the association of preventive dental care with reduced emergency department and inpatient admissions and costs.