The Norwegian Association of Orthodontists (NAO) was first established in 1953 and, today, consists of 250 members. This specialty organization looks after the interests of practicing Norwegian orthodontists.

Almost all of the orthodontists who have fulfilled the requirements for specialty recognition are members of the Association. The majority of the members are working in the private sector while the remainder are state employed. The majority of this latter group are affiliated with one of the two teaching hospitals where postgraduate orthodontics is taught. These hospitals are located in Oslo and Bergen.

The NAO committee has the responsibility of planning regular scientific-based meetings (three to four per year) where various aspects of the specialty are covered. Different themes are used each year. The committee is also actively interested in maintaining a good liaison with national health bodies that are responsible for the remuneration schemes that subsidize the fees for orthodontic treatment.

At present, the Association is actively establishing quality control groups throughout the whole country. This extensive program, which is being developed, should eventually benefit all aspects of orthodontists’ working routines, i.e., beneficial for the welfare and treatment of the patient, for the working personnel involved in orthodontics, for the materials and techniques used, as well as for the general advancement of orthodontic treatment offered in Norway.

Another interesting aspect of the NAO is a refresher course program. This program offers a series of one- or two-day courses covering a multitude of subjects that are relevant to orthodontists' working routines. The courses are open to all members of the Association and are aimed at teaching new aspects of orthodontics, repeating and updating present working techniques, as well as encouraging improved relationships with other aspects of team-approach therapy.

This refresher course program has been in existence for 14 years and attracts considerable interest from the members because it is offered as a supplement to the main Association courses. One of the program’s assets is that each course is offered to a relatively small number of participants. This enables the course leader to provide a hands-on approach that guarantees maximum interest.

Europe is presently undergoing a multitude of changes that affect the specialty. The NAO is playing an active and influential role in the reforms that are being established. The NAO hopes the future of orthodontics in Europe will enable a greater bond between countries, as well as encourage an easier flow of information at the international level.