The Australian Society of Orthodontists (ASO) has approximately 350 members who represent 80 percent of the registered specialist orthodontists in Australia. In round figures, this represents a ratio of one orthodontist to 20 registered dentists or one orthodontist to 45,000 people.

The ASO, formed in 1927, now has branches in each of the five mainland states. In the past, the three executive members managed the society’s affairs from their offices. Due to membership growth, the societies’ activities are now serviced by an organization that provides secretarial services for similar professional bodies. At this point, the ASO is not large enough to have its own secretariat. The position of the society executive rotates through the states. Each executive serves a two-year term and assists a council of ASO members.

Biennial Orthodontic Congress
The primary activity of the ASO is the biennial orthodontic congress. The ASO held its 16th Orthodontic Congress in March in Canberra. Seventy percent of the membership attended this congress, which featured well-known speakers. Each congress is held in the state capital of the appointed executive and marks the end of the executive’s term.

Continuing Education Activities
Another activity of the ASO is postgraduate education. The ASO arranges annual clinical days in most of Australia’s state capitals. The ASO also offers continuing education courses.

Currently, the ASO is heavily involved in the peer evaluation of the graduate courses. Completion of these courses is necessary in order to qualify for registration as a specialist. Australia has five dental schools, all of which offer three-year graduate courses in orthodontics. These courses are in demand from both Australian and overseas dentists.

Board Accreditation
The ASO has just begun the process of board accreditation, which requires the prospective submission of cases and the attainment of credit points. Unlike other boards, certification with the Australian Orthodontic Board is not permanent, and one must go through the process every four years to maintain certification. The ASO is proud of this innovation and believes that it is more in accordance with current community requirements for continuing education and quality assurance.