The American Dental Association is no longer financially backing Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS, R-Ariz., reports The Arizona Republic.
The organization hasn't mentioned Dr. Gosar specifically, but noted in a statement last week that its "core values" are central to its mission to help dentists and public health.
"Among these core values are integrity, diversity and inclusion," the ADA said on its website. "Engaging our professional community on all of our seven core values is critical as we drive oral health forward and promote health equity in our nation.
"The ADA believes participation in the political process should reflect its values, ideals and priorities. The ADA will support those individuals who advance our mission and are in alignment with those ideals, views and priorities."
The ADA's "Board of Trustees determined that the American Dental Political Action Committee should suspend future contributions to Rep. Gosar," the organization's communications manager told the Republic.
The decision follows a campaign led by some of Dr. Gosar's siblings who claim the former dentist helped incite the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Dr. Gosar has previously received financial support from the ADA PAC, the American Association of Orthodontists PAC, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry PAC and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons PAC. Over the last two years, the organizations have given him at least $50,000 total, according to Federal Election Commission records cited by the Republic.
"The AAOPAC has not given to Rep. Gosar this cycle," Ken Dillehay, DDS, president of the American Association of Orthodontics, said in a July 20 statement to the Republic. "The PAC continues to examine its giving guidelines to ensure funding is aligned with the AAO's mission, values and legislative agenda."
"I will continue to work for my constituents, many of whom are dentists, and will continue to fight for better oral health across our country," Dr. Gosar said in a written statement cited by the Republic. "This does not slow me down in my efforts for better healthcare."