In brief: Public understanding of oral health declines, surprising suzetrigine study findings, SmileCon ending in 2026

New suzetrigine feedback data

Suzetrigine, a non-addictive painkiller, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late January of this year. What made this news buzzworthy is that this drug (also known as Journavx) became the first FDA-approved analgesic for severe pain, providing relief by targeting the body’s sodium channels. Without the risk of addiction, overdose, or sedation, suzetrigine seemed like a promising new product in the eyes of both patients and health-care providers.²

So what do people think now? A recent study by Tebra surveyed over 1,000 Americans (including healthcare professionals) to gauge their perceptions of suzetrigine. Here is what they found:

Provider feedback

Patient/public feedback

To learn about additional feedback data from Tebra’s study, click here.

SmileCon set to end next year

The American Dental Association (ADA) recently announced that SmileCon’s final conference will be held later this year in October, discontinuing the event in 2026. This decision comes after careful consideration from the ADA, who cited higher costs and a steady decline in attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic as contributing factors.⁴

In a press release, ADA president Dr. Brett Kessler noted his appreciation for support of the convention, saying: “the ADA extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who made SmileCon possible, including the host cities that welcomed us with open arms and warm hospitality.” He also said: “SmileCon has been much more than a professional conference; it’s been a showcase of the best dentistry has to offer. It’s where new ideas have been shared and where the dental community has come together to shape the future of oral and overall health.”⁴

The final SmileCon will be held in Washington DC from October 23-25. SmileCon 2026, which was originally set to take place in Indianapolis, is collaborating with Indiana Dental Association and Visit Indy to explore future events in the city.

References

1. Conexiant News Staff. Report: public understanding of oral-systemic link declines, dental anxiety persists. Inside Dentistry. May 20, 2025.

2. Butkovic S. FDA approves suzetrigine, first non-opioid painkiller approved in decades. DentistryIQ. February 6, 2025.

3. Lee J. Perceptions of Suzetrigine: The first “nonaddictive” painkiller. Tebra. Reviewed February 18, 2025. 

4. American Dental Association to end SmileCon event in 2026. American Dental Association. May 22, 2025.