WFO to host lecture on the status of orthodontics throughout the world

WFO fellows should attend the lecture "The Status of Orthodontics Throughout the World" during the 100th American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual Session, the 5th International Orthodontic Congress (IOC) and the 2nd Meeting of the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO). The lecture will take place Wednesday morning, May 3, 2000, at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

In 1997, the WFO Executive Committee authorized Dr. A.E. Athanasiou of Artistotle University of Thessaloniki in Thessaloniki, Greece, to investigate the status of orthodontics and orthodontic treatment throughout the world.

To gather the necessary data, the WFO sent a questionnaire to its affiliated organizations. More than 60 national affiliated organizations, representing more than 53 countries, participated in the survey. The lecture will focus on the results of this survey. Dr. Athanasiou, WFO President Dr. William DeKock of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, U.S.A., and WFO Executive Committee member Dr. Takayuki Kuroda of the Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Tokyo, Japan, will present this lecture.

"Information, data and conclusions presented in the lecture and in future relevant publications may positively influence individuals and groups concerning the practice of orthodontics in their respective environment, improve the structure and function of scientific and political orthodontic organizations, provide useful data and experience to policy-makers, individuals and organizations concerning educational requirements and characteristics, as well as provision of orthodontics," Dr. Athanasiou said.