Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Announce First Chief Dental Officer

Dr Natalia Chalmers will serve as the first ever Chief Dental Officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Dr Chalmers as announced as the Chief Dental Officer in a role that is said to “advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to care for the whole person” according to a press release.

As we learn about the connection between overall health and dental health, Dr Chalmers can provide expert experience and insight on reducing health disparities. With an increased focus on health equity, Dr Chalmers will serve on the role as an oral health expert across a variety of clinical areas. Dr Chalmers is a board-certified pediatric dentist with more than 20 years of experience.

Dr Chalmer’s education includes the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and a PhD in oral microbiology from the Graduate Partnerships Program of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research at the National Institutes of Health.

As an expert on research, Dr Chalmer’s experience will act as an important guide in the advancements of various programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Dr Chalmers began this role on August 30, 2021, along with other health care professionals.