Political Preferences of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: The Elephant (and Donkey) in the Room

The political beliefs of clinicians and clinically-sponsored political action organizations can influence healthcare policy and patient care. In 1965, Medicare was passed as a national insurance policy for older individuals.1 The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) lobbied against Medicare.1 The ADA alone succeeded in lobbying against including dental services as a Medicare benefit. As a result, Medicare rarely reimburses dental care.1 The consequences of the ADA's political actions in 1965 have persisted for decades with lasting consequences for the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) and our patients.

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