September 3, 2024   

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. From September 15 to October 15, we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States.

JOURNALS, REPORTS & WHITE PAPERS

Whole-Person Oral Health Education – Proceedings of a Workshop

In February 2024, the National Academies Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education co-hosted a public workshop with Penn Dental Medicine to explore value proposition for oral health promotion and disease prevention. Experts from around the globe representing multiple sectors, discussed the value of holistic oral health, particularly for those with disabilities, and the importance of interprofessional education and collaborative practices aimed at whole-person oral health care.

Exemplary Statewide Programs Integrating Oral Health Care into Primary Care for the Maternal and Child Health Population 

To inform discussions about integrating oral health care in safety net settings serving the maternal and child health (MCH) population, the Consortium for Oral Health Systems Integration and Improvement (COHSII) convened an MCH Oral Health Think Tank. Members identified successful, long-standing statewide programs to be interviewed; provided input on interview questions to ask programs; and reviewed program findings.

We're excited to announce that the Santa Fe Group will soon be launching a newly redesigned website! This update will bring a fresh look, improved navigation, and enhanced resources to better serve our community. Stay tuned for the official launch—we can't wait to share it with you!

Improving Dental Care Access for Vulnerable Populations

Dental care presents more financial barriers compared to other health care services. Racial and ethnic minorities, people in rural counties, and populations covered by public insurance particularly struggle with dental care access. There are significantly fewer dentists per capita in rural counties compared to urban counties.

WHO Global Oral Health Meeting: Universal Health Coverage for Oral Health by 2030

The World Health Organization (WHO) will convene the first WHO global oral health meeting to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) for oral health by 2030. The meeting will be hosted by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand from Tuesday 26 to Friday 29 November 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.

#InCaseYouMissedIt

The Implicit and Explicit Exclusion of People with Disabilities in Clinical Trials 

This report highlights exclusionary practices that prevent people with disabilities from participating in clinical trials, discusses how healthcare practitioners’ internal biases and federal policies contribute to the participation rate, and how the disparity affects people with disabilities and the efficacy of clinical trials.

As we embrace driving change as a catalyst for improving oral health, we are pleased to present the Santa Fe Group’s 2023 Annual Report.

Tune in to hear guest Dr. Judith Haber, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., F.A.A.N., Executive Director of the Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice (OHNEP) program, give a hot take on the critical, yet often overlooked, connection between oral health and overall well-being.

UPCOMING EVENTS

#LastChance September 11, 2024 | 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. EST
Improving Health Care for Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Patients

Medical-dental integration (MDI) provides dental teams with a proactive approach that elevates the level of care provided to their patients, thereby improving their systemic health. The fourth annual Florida Combined Life–Florida Blue Foundation MDI Symposium allows dentists and hygienists to convene virtually.

#LastChance September 11, 2024 | 9:00 to 10:30 p.m. EST
Person Care: Patient Mental and Dental Wellness

Whole person care means improving an individual’s health through the interconnected systems of systemic, behavioral and oral health. This presentation will explore the complex connections between oral health and mental health.

#LastChance September 12-13, 2024 | Rockville, MD
ACD Ethics Summit 2024 Breaking Down the Silos: Dentistry’s Ethical Responsibility as a Partner in Healthcare

The purpose of this Summit is to assemble a cohort of oral healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, thought leaders, and industry leaders to develop strategies that break down silos and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

#LiveCEWebinar November 6, 202 | 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. EST
Colgate Oral Health Network & SFG The Strengths and Weaknesses of Publicly Supported Dental Benefits Programs within the U.S.

This webinar will provide information about the differences in funding for oral health care in funding for oral health care between Medicare and Medicaid and where and why the gaps in publicly available dental coverage for adults leave large unmet needs.
PRESENTERS: Elisa Chavez, D.D.S.; Nader Nadershahi, D.D.S., M.B.A., Ed.D; and Nicholas, G. Mosca, D.D.S., Dr. P.H.

#Workshop   November 18-19, 2024 | Washington, DC
Advancing Oral Health Across the Lifespan

A planning committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will organize and conduct a public workshop that brings together experts and key stakeholders to explore innovative practices and models for advancing oral health in the US across the lifespan.