Recent News & Breakthroughs
Read the latest news stories from the Santa Fe Group, its programs and partners.
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 […]
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. […]
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 Santa Fe Group News
A Tribute to Harold C. Slavkin, D.D.S.
A Tribute to Harold C. Slavkin, D.D.S. Harold C. Slavkin, D.D.S., a founding member of the Santa Fe Group, was an internationally renowned dentist, scientist, educator, and science administrator and […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
Poor Oral Health Influences Head and Neck Cancer Patient Survival: An International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium Pooled Analysis
Poor oral health has been reported as an independent risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In a study published in September 2023 in the Journal of the […]
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 […]