Integration of the medical degree in oral and maxillofacial surgery training: a survey of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons membership.

Fifty percent of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons membership in the United States was polled in an effort to evaluate the influence a medical degree might have on privileges and referral patterns, and its role in the office, hospital, and academic settings. Biographical data were collected and responses evaluated for the following groups: 1) the nation as a whole, 2) geographic regions of practice, 3) population, 4) number of years in practice, and 5) involvement in academic programs. Questions concerning the spectrum of privileges as well as referrals and desire to possess a medical degree were asked. Substantially different responses were seen between the MD/non-MD oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgeons as well as differences between geographic locations, years in practice, and academic involvement. In general, MD and academic OMF surgeons possessed a broader spectrum of privileges than their colleagues. No consistent patterns were seen between the various geographic regions. No significant differences existed in privileges based on the size of a community in which a surgeon practices. A greater or equal percentage of privileges was possessed by more recently trained OMF surgeons than their more experienced colleagues. The results presented may aid future graduates in making a more informed decision when considering obtaining a medical degree.