Oral medicine: Today's future can become tomorrow's reality

There have been strategic clinical, educational, and research advances in the field of Oral Medicine over the past several decades. In many cases, Oral Medicine experts are contributing the lead role in these advances nationally and internationally. In addition, American Board of Dental Specialty recognition of Oral Medicine as a specialty in 2015 has positioned Oral Medicine professionals to substantively enhance the delivery of oral health care to medically complex patients as well. It is now important and timely to capitalize on this contemporary foundation, to advance the field of Oral Medicine in the United States for the next generation of Oral Medicine specialists and practitioners. This article provides the results of analyses of the present dynamics and economic opportunities, as well as solutions to existing perceived barriers.