Accomplishing the Goals of the WFO

By Nick S. Palmer, D.D.S., M.S.

The World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) looks forward to accomplishing its goal of improving the standard of orthodontic care throughout the world. To do so will require the participation of orthodontists from all WFO affiliated organizations. However, orthodontists from some of the affiliated organizations have limited access to orthodontic literature and current orthodontic treatment techniques. In addition, economic situations in numerous countries may prevent more orthodontists from joining the WFO. Recognition of these conditions by orthodontists worldwide can help the WFO accomplish its goals.

Economic and ideological changes in numerous countries have caused severe economic instability. Former Soviet bloc countries are tied to the economic policies of Russia. The fluctuation in the value of the ruble filters down to all of the countries in the region. Ukraine, for example, is allowing its money (hryvnia) to float on the world markets. As a result, the annual inflation rate in Ukraine is nearly 20 percent. The Ukrainian News reported an increase in wholesale and retail prices of 35.4 percent and 20.4 percent respectively in 1998. Wholesale prices are expected to rise by 15.7 percent, and inflation is expected to increase by 20 percent in 1999. According to the World Bank, during the transition from a socialistic to a capitalistic economy, the affected countries experienced severe decreases in the per capita income from 1991 to 1992 (24 percent in Ukraine).

In the year following the signing of the WFO Charter, Ukraine found the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar had increased 2.3 times. According to the Ukrainian Information Bureau at the United Nations, prices increased 6.4 times in the same period. Specifically, how does this relate to the consumer? The price of bread increased 470 percent. For milk and soft cheese, the prices rose 300 percent and 259 percent respectively. Prices for cream increased by 240 percent. Rent payments increased so much that people simply stopped paying. In many cases, the rent was as much as the monthly pensions. Monthly government pensions in Ukraine are now equivalent to $25 (U.S.).

According to the Toronto Globe and Mail, the average monthly wages are less than $70 (U.S.). The Ukraine Ministry of Statistics reports that 72.1 percent of the Ukrainian population, or 37.7 million Ukrainians, have an average monthly income less than or equal to $25 (U.S.). Of this population, 60 percent are jobless or do not have a pension. People dealing in agricultural products supplement their income by selling goods at streetside markets. A tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush may cost one week’s pay! Students have been given long vacations this winter due to lack of funds to pay for electricity and heat. The government does not have the money to pay salaries for professors, other teachers and doctors. Some have not been paid for several months. Despite these unbelievable economic conditions, the World Bank states that Ukraine is not the worst of the former Soviet bloc countries.

In addition, privatization and other economic reforms have stalled, foreign financial aid has been suspended, and democracy is weaker than at any point since independence.

It is incumbent upon those who reside in countries that enjoy the prosperity and benefits of democracy and relative wealth to come to the aid of those in need. Orthodontists need to increase their efforts and resolve to include those colleagues in organizations, such as the WFO, when they cannot afford to participate fully.

Organizations, such as the Detroit, Michigan, chapter of the Ukrainian Medical and Dental Association, as well as private donations from Ukrainian-Americans in Warren, Michigan, sponsored the attendance of an Ukrainian delegate at the signing of the WFO Charter in San Francisco, California, in 1995. Private donations of orthodontic supplies have been made to the University of Lviv Dental School to help teach modern dentistry, including orthodontics. The spirit of the Ukrainian people remains steadfast in their attempt to improve the living standards for all people in their country.

I hope that we, as members from countries that are looking forward to the promises of the 21^st century, will help those colleagues in countries that are struggling to meet the needs of the present. I earnestly solicit your support and am confident that you will respond.

The struggle for democracy, as well as the struggle against poverty, should not be a hindrance to a country or an individual participating in the growth of the WFO. The strength of our organization may rest in its ability to welcome all, and yet sustain itself with the capital to survive its own beginnings. If you would like to help, please contact me in any of the following ways: Dr. Nick S. Palmer, 3944 John R, Troy, MI 48083-5688; Fax: 248-528-3341; or e-mail: nickspal@umich.edu.

Dr. Nick S. Palmer is a 1978 graduate of Case Western Reserve University, an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, and a fellow of the World Federation of Orthodontists. He has been a part-time instructor at the University of Michigan for several years. He has traveled to Ukraine at his own expense to teach and help in the dental school in Lviv. In addition, Dr. Palmer has helped others send urgently needed supplies to Ukraine and contributed personal funds to the WFO in support of the Ukrainian Association of Orthodontists.