Tobacco Industry Involvement in Periodontal Research: A Case Study

Objectives: Extensive evidence documents the tobacco industry’s influence on medical organizations and research. In contrast, there is little understanding of how the tobacco industry may have influenced professional dental organizations and oral health research. This study investigated possible reasons behind Philip Morris’ (PM) inflation-adjusted $750,000 in contributions to the American Dental Association’s Periodontal Pathology Research Center (ADA PPRC).
Methods: We searched the Truth Tobacco Industry Documents Library for internal tobacco industry documents from 1963 to 1973 that pertained to PM’s contributions to the ADA PPRC. We used a snowball strategy to identify related documents, and used external sources to triangulate and contextualize findings. We then chronologically organized relevant documents into a narrative case study.
Results: As part of PM’s diversification efforts, the company acquired Clark Bros Chewing Gum Company in 1963. PM’s R&D focused on specialty chewing gums developed for anti-caries, anti-tartar, and other therapeutic functions. The primary reasons PM contributed to the ADA PPRC included attempts to expedite commercial development and to obtain the ADA Seal of Acceptance for its new dental products. Secondary reasons included being recognized as a source of dental research funding, acquiring ‘de facto’ periodontal/dental consultants, gaining positive brand name perception, and tracking new dental research using ADA connections. Importantly, PM’s statements made to the public and the ADA regarding its intentions were incongruent with internal discussions on the topic. However, in 1973, PM sold Clark Gum due to unprofitability before commercial release of these dental product lines.
Conclusions: Philip Morris targeted the American Dental Association in order to gain influence not only for developing new products, but also for long-term benefits to both the Clark Gum and PM brands. This historical analysis illuminates the need for professional organizations to be conscious of ulterior reasons corporations may have in developing partnerships.