WFO Executive Committee held a teleconference in November
The committee accepted the 89th affiliated organization, is studying educational standards for the orthodontic specialty and set policy on the use of the WFO logo

During a teleconference in early November, the WFO Executive Committee deliberated on several issues, including universal broad-based educational standards for the orthodontic specialty and a new policy on the use of the WFO logo. The Executive Committee also accepted a new affiliated organization.

Originally, the WFO Executive Committee was scheduled to meet in October during the annual meeting of the Japanese Orthodontic Society (JOS). Due to the terrorist attacks in the United States in September, the Executive Committee canceled its meeting and scheduled the teleconference. During this conference, the Executive Committee formally issued a statement of thanks to the JOS and the Korean Association of Orthodontists for their understanding and support.

New Affiliated Organization
The WFO continues to grow. The WFO Executive Committee accepted the Orthodontic Section of the Finnish Dental Society as an affiliated organization. The WFO now has 89 affiliated organizations in 76 countries. In addition, 6,326 orthodontists are WFO fellows.
"It is gratifying to see the continued growth in the number of affiliated organizations and fellows," said WFO President Dr. Lee Graber. "The strength of the WFO is, to a large degree, the breadth, diversity and accomplishments of its member organizations. Exemplary of this is the addition of Finland, whose members can lay claim to unique scientific contributions in the advancement of our specialty."

Universal Orthodontic Educational Standards
The WFO Executive Committee is continuing to study the possible development of universal broad-based orthodontic educational standards.

A subcommittee is gathering information on the educational standards used throughout the world. Dr. Donald Poulton of San Francisco, California, USA, serves as the chair of this subcommittee. He has requested that each Executive Committee member obtain further information from the affiliated organizations in his or her respective areas of representation. The subcommittee is also seeking input directly from WFO affiliated organizations. The subcommittee is interested in the educational standards for orthodontic specialists developed by educational institutions, governmental authorities and professional associations from around the world. Information should be sent directly to Dr. Poulton by December 31, 2001. His fax number is 415-929-6647.

Dr. Poulton notes that the development of these broad educational standards is in line with the main goal of the WFO, which is to advance the art and science of orthodontics throughout the world.

"Education is basic to the improvement of orthodontics," he said. "It is also the basis of membership in the WFO."

WFO Logo Policy
The WFO Executive Committee has approved a new policy that outlines acceptable use of the WFO logo.

According to the policy, "WFO fellows are encouraged to use the logo, but must not do so in a manner which could imply that their WFO fellowship is an additional qualification in orthodontics. The logo signifies a fellow's good standing in his or her national or regional WFO affiliate."

Additional Information
If you have any questions about the above activities or policy, please contact the WFO Secretariat. Please direct your inquiries to Lorraine DuPont. Her e-mail address is ldupont@wfo.org.