Greek Orthodontic Society supports development of orthodontics in Greece

Founded in 1963, the Greek Orthodontic Society (GOS) is one of the oldest dental scientific societies in Greece and is a nonprofit scientific organization. Since its founding, the GOS has significantly contributed to the development and progress of orthodontics in Greece. The GOS also critically influenced the Hellenic Republic in its 1988 decision to recognize the specialty of orthodontics.

Today, the Greek Orthodontic Society has 270 members (182 full members, 73 associate members and 15 postgraduate student members). According to the bylaws, which were revised last in 1996, all full members possess the title of specialist as awarded by the Hellenic Ministry of Health. Associate members are colleagues whose recognition is pending following the completion of a three-year postgraduate education.

Recently, the Board of Trustees of the Greek Orthodontic Society unanimously decided to award the title of honorary member to Dr. Samir Bishara, professor of orthodontics at the University of Iowa in the United States. This title recognizes Dr. Bishara’s paramount scientific work for the specialty, his significant educational contribution to the orthodontists of Greece, and the great support he has given the GOS. The Greek Orthodontic Society has awarded the title of honorary member to only two other distinguished colleagues - the late Professor Robert Moyers of the United States and Professor Alexandre Petrovic of France. The official recognition ceremony for Dr. Bishara will take place during the 3^rd Panhellenic Congress in October in Athens.

The Greek Orthodontic Society was actively involved in the foundation of the WFO and has more than 80 fellows in this organization, making it fourth in membership among the scientific societies of Europe. The GOS is also a member of the European Federation of Orthodontics (FEO). The GOS biannually publishes the scientific journal Hellenic Orthodontic Review in both Greek and English. Professor Athanasios E. Athanasiou is president of the GOS.

The 6^th International Orthodontic Symposium of the Greek Orthodontic Society will take place at the Athens Hilton Hotel, February 19-20, 2000. The speakers will include Professors Dieter Drescher of Germany, Nejat Erverdi of Turkey, Robert Kusy of the United States, Ravindra Nanda of the United States, William Proffit of the United States, and Stephen Richmond of the United Kingdom.