World Federation of Orthodontists: An orthodontic umbrella organization coordinating activities and pooling resources

The idea of a global orthodontic organization, the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO), made up of national and regional orthodontic organizations, was realized in 1995 in San Francisco at the 4th International Orthodontic Congress that was held in conjunction with the 95th annual American Association of Orthodontists meeting. This umbrella organization strives to promote quality orthodontic care, practiced and delivered by orthodontic specialists in all parts of the world. In addition, it supports its member organizations with governing principles that promote appropriate membership criteria, qualified individual leadership participation, and long-term stability of the organization over time. In response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic, the WFO has responded proactively and plans to augment its digital resources even further in the near future. This article describes the formation of the organization, the idea that germinated through the first three international orthodontic congresses, its workflow and membership criteria, the accountability and commitment it has toward its affiliates and individual members, and its plans for future years to come.

How Did We Get Here ?

This is the transcript of the inspirational address delivered by Dr. Allan Thom, President-World Federation of Orthodontists to the Presidents of the APOS Affiliate Societies at the 11th APOC in Boracay, Phillipines in March, 2018.

Modern management of the cleft lip and palate patient

Although many hospital-based specialists will be involved in the management of cleft lip and palate patients, the GDP plays a key role in the preservation of the dentition with its supporting alveolar bone. Without this, the ideal treatment objectives of improved aesthetics, good speech, good function and positive self-image of the patient cannot be achieved.

The dental status of cardiac patients

Images