Santa Fe Group

We’ve moved.

To better share updates, research, and resources, Santa Fe Group has transitioned to a new page and is now on Instagram.

Please follow us here going forward for the latest news, events, and insights on oral health, whole-person health, and prevention:

👉 New page: https://www.facebook.com/thesantafegroup
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesantafegroup/

This page will no longer be updated.
Thank you for being part of our community and continuing the conversation with us.

Community water fluoridation remains an important public health issue, with implications for oral health, equity, and prevention.

Click here to read more: https://santafegroup.org/news/health/understanding-the-epas-expedited-review-of-fluoride/

Oral health and healthy ageing are deeply connected. This Thursday, January 22, at 9:00 am ET, join a timely webinar hosted by FDI World Dental Federation exploring how prevention and integration can strengthen oral health outcomes in long-term care systems.

The session features insights from Prof. Judy Jones, Santa Fe Group member, alongside Prof. Kakuhiro Fukai and Dr. Bathsheba (Bethy) Turton. Together, they will examine the oral health needs of ageing populations, prevention-focused approaches, and the integration of oral health within broader care models to improve outcomes in long-term care settings.

🔗 Register here: https://www.fdioralhealthcampus.org/webinar/oral-health-and-healthy-ageing-prevention-and-integration-in-long-term-care-systems/

The Santa Fe Group January newsletter is live ✨

We’re kicking off 2026 with insights and updates on oral health, prevention, access, and the future of care.

🔗 Read the January issue: https://santafegroup.org/january7-2026.html

📩 Subscribe to receive Oral Health Pulse (next issue coming next week!): https://mailchi.mp/190fdc14d01c/newsletter

In our latest Spotlight Highlight, Dr. Sol Brotman reflects on decades of work advancing medical–dental integration within large health systems. He shares insights on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, shared workflows, clinical education for physicians and nurses, and the role of technology in closing care gaps and supporting whole-person care.

🎧 Listen to Dr. Brotman’s reflections on medical–dental integration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meGuNXq20IY

As 2026 begins, oral health continues to be shaped by the ways prevention, access, and well-being intersect across care delivery, policy, and lived experience. This January, we’re reflecting on these connections and sharing resources that highlight the evolving role of oral health within broader health systems and communities.

🔗 Read more: https://santafegroup.org/news/santa-fe-group/a-new-year-for-oral-health-prevention-access-well-being-and-the-future-of-care/

Happy New Year from the Santa Fe Group!
As we begin 2026, we look forward to maintaining momentum and continuing important conversations that move oral health forward. Together.

🔗 https://santafegroup.org/

Happy Holidays from the Santa Fe Group!
As we close out the year, we are deeply grateful for our members, partners, and volunteer leaders who advance whole-person health and equity through collaboration and shared purpose.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a healthy, hopeful year ahead!

🔗 https://santafegroup.org/

Santa Fe Group Fellow, Dr. Zachary Brian, co-authored a thoughtful exploration with the American Association of Public Health Dentistry- AAPHD and the NNOHA - National Network for Oral Health Access on how equity and inclusion can be strengthened across oral health systems.

This work highlights opportunities to better support underserved communities, expand responsive care, and promote a workforce that reflects the populations it serves.

Read more here: https://santafegroup.org/news/coalition-for-oral-health-policy/advancing-equity-and-inclusion-in-oral-health-debt-diversity-and-dentistry/

CMS has taken a historic step toward whole-person health in the United States. --- In the CY 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, CMS approved a new MIPS Improvement Activity that formally integrates oral health into primary care for the first time.

This milestone elevates prevention, encourages medical–dental collaboration, and reflects years of advocacy from the Santa Fe Group (SFG), the Coalition for Oral Health Policy (COHP), and partners nationwide.

Read our full policy analysis: https://santafegroup.org/news/coalition-for-oral-health-policy/a-defining-step-toward-whole-person-health-cms-advances-oral-health-integration-in-the-2026-physician-fee-schedule/

Today! Join leaders in dentistry and medicine for the final session of Penn Dental Medicine and the National Coalition of Dentists for Health Equity’s four-part webinar series:

“Oral Health in Transition: Charting a Collaborative Path Forward.”

This session will highlight policy, advocacy, and education strategies that strengthen integrated care and advance oral health equity.

-Integrating Oral Health into Primary Care
Presented by Melinda Clark, MD, MJ and SFG member, Ira Lamster, DDS, MMSc

-Interprofessional Education: Current State & Future Opportunities
Presented by Emily Sabato, EdD and Kim Fenesy, DMD

December 10, 2025
6:00–7:30 pm ET
CE credits available

🔗 Register here: https://cde.dental.upenn.edu/Course/1676-Oral-Health-in-Transition-Charting-a-Collaborative-Path-Forward-Call-to-Action-Policy-and-Advocacy