Better health begins with early action, prevention, and recognizing the connections between oral health and overall well-being.

As we welcome November, American Diabetes Month, World Diabetes Day, Mouth Cancer Action Month, TMJ Awareness Month, and National Flossing Day bring attention to the importance of early detection, preventive care, and improving health outcomes. Together, these observances remind us that oral health is an essential part of whole-person health, influencing chronic disease management, everyday function, and quality of life.

From the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease to the importance of oral cancer awareness and timely evaluation, November offers an opportunity to reflect on how stronger connections across healthcare can support prevention, earlier intervention, and better outcomes.

The work of the Santa Fe Group's June 2026 Oral Health as a Pathway for Wellness & Longevity National Convening continues.

Building on the discussions, shared priorities, and commitments developed during the Convening, the Santa Fe Group is advancing the next phase of this initiative through its Progress Report, the Oral Health Is Health Consensus Statement, and preparations for a series of Virtual Convenings designed to deepen the dialogue and expand collaboration.

The Consensus Statement is currently circulating among Convening participants for sign-on, with broader sharing of these resources planned.

Together, these efforts aim to turn the Convening's momentum into meaningful action, strengthening partnerships and advancing oral health as an essential component of overall health and wellness.

Stay tuned for updates as this important work moves forward!

Spotlight: Dr. Stephen Abel and Penn Dental Medicine Launch the Caregiver Dental Hub

Penn Dental Medicine has launched the Caregiver Dental Hub, a national online resource supporting caregivers who provide daily oral care for individuals with disabilities.

Developed with leadership from Santa Fe Group member Dr. Stephen Abel and Dr. Joan Gluch, the Hub features instructional videos, expert guidance, caregiver stories, and resources to help families find dental professionals experienced in caring for individuals with special needs.

The initiative aims to make preventive oral health care more accessible and inclusive.

MUST READS

Hospital Sepsis Guidance Recognizes Daily Toothbrushing

A new multisociety position paper identifies structured daily toothbrushing for hospitalized patients among recommended infection-prevention strategies.

The recommendation underscores the importance of oral care within broader hospital quality and patient safety efforts.

FDI Publishes Six New Global Oral Health Policy Statements

The FDI World Dental Federation has published six policy statements adopted at its 2026 General Assembly. The statements address priorities for oral health policy, education, and the dental profession, providing updated guidance for stakeholders working to advance oral health worldwide.

Oral Health Is Planetary Health: Penn Dental Medicine Leads a Field-Defining JADA Special Issue

A newly published JADA supplement explores the connections between oral health, climate change, environmental sustainability, and public health policy. Penn Dental Medicine researchers highlight why oral healthcare systems must address environmental impacts while improving population health.

Oral Health – Lever for Change

An editorial examines the need to rethink how dentistry fits within broader healthcare systems. It highlights prevention, sustainable funding, and the longstanding separation between medicine and dentistry, arguing for a stronger focus on health and wellness rather than treatment alone.

AROUND THE WORLD

WHO Strengthens Global Oral Health Surveillance with Updated STEPS Module

The World Health Organization's updated STEPS oral health module combines self-reported information with simplified clinical assessments to help countries collect more reliable oral health data. This approach supports evidence-based policymaking and the integration of oral health into broader chronic disease prevention strategies worldwide.

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 12, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET

The Hill & CareQuest

Strengthening Dental Care for Veterans

November 17, 2026 | 11:00 am ET

IADR

Oral Women's Health: Hormonal Milestones, Biomarkers, and Global Diversity

November 17, 2026 | 7:00 pm ET

ADEA eLearn

Beyond the Bite: Food Insecurity and Its Impact on Oral Health

Colgate Oral Health Network & Santa Fe Group

A Love Ethic and Dentistry: The Most Basic Premise to Stand On

Speaker: Rayna Strong, DMD, MBE

Colgate Oral Health Network & Santa Fe Group

Minimally Invasive Dentistry and Special Populations

Speaker: Allen Wong, DDS, EdD, DABSCD