Taiwan Association of Orthodontists is in its 17^th year of providing continuing education, resources to its members

The Taiwan Association of Orthodontists held its 17th Annual Meeting in conjunction with the 3rd Asian Implant Orthodontic Conference December 4-6, 2004, at the Taipei International Conference Center in Taipei, Taiwan. Pictured here are the participants in the opening ceremony of the conference: From left, Dr. Crisanta Santayana, past president of the Association of Philippine Orthodontists; Dr. B. Ian Watson, past president of the Australian Society of Orthodontists and nominee for the WFO Executive Committee; Dr. Tan Yee Yah, president of the Malaysian Association of Orthodontists; Dr. Gakuji Ito, past president of the Japanese Orthodontic Society; Dr. Junji Sugawara, president of the 2nd AIOC; Dr. Motohiko Sato, past president of the Japan Association of Adult Orthodontics; Dr. Kazuo Yamauchi, past president of the Japanese Orthodontic Society; Dr. Young Cheol Park, president of the 1st AIOC; Dr. Somchai Satravaha, president-elect of the Thai Association Orthodontists; and Dr. Lin Wei, president of the Macau Association of Orthodontists.

             The Taiwan Association of Orthodontists (TAO) was established January 24, 1988. Today the organization has 520 members, including 263 TAO board-certified members and 95 TAO board-eligible members. Full membersmust meet the Taiwan Dental Board’s requirements for an orthodontic specialist. These requirements include at least two years of postgraduate education in an accredited university program and completion of a written exam and an oral exam of a five-case presentation.

TAO’s Objectives

The TAO strives to elevate the level of research, education and treatment outcomes in orthodontics, and to establish and maintain the standards of the orthodontic specialty. The organization also continually promotes an international exchange of information that is both academic and clinically oriented. As part of these objectives, the TAO founded the Taiwan Orthodontic Board in 1994. The Taiwan Orthodontic Board is central to the long-term development of educational and treatment standards within the discipline of orthodontics.

            One of the main goals of the organization is to achieve specialty recognition for orthodontics in Taiwan. Currently, the Health Department of the Taiwan government only recognizes maxillofacial and oral surgery and oral pathology as dental specialties.

Member Resources

Throughout the year, the TAO offers several opportunities for continuing education by hosting or co-hosting conferences. Most recently, the organization held a conference on excellence in finishing in early May. In December 2004, the TAO held its 17^th Annual Meeting in conjunction with the 3^rd Asian Implant Orthodontic Conference. All TAO members are eligible for reduced registration fees for any TAO-sponsored or co-sponsored course.

In addition, TAO members receive the Journal of the Taiwan Association of Orthodontists, which is published every three months, and the organization’s monthly newsletter. The TAO also provides legal consultation and educational leaflets and books that inform the public of the benefits of orthodontic treatment.

To learn more about the TAO, visit the organization’s Web site at www.tao.org.tw.

TAO Leadership

Dr. Chih-Peng Su, TAO President

President: Dr. Chih-Peng Su

Board Members:

Dr. Joung-Lin Liaw

Dr. Wen-Ken Tai

Dr. Chi-Yang Tsai

Dr. Hsin-Chung Cheng

Dr. Chao-San Chang

Dr. Chuan-Yang Chang

Dr. Kuan-Fa Chang

Dr. Chen-Feng Cheng

Dr. Chih-Chen Chou

Dr. Eddie Hsiang-Hua Lai

Dr. Ching-Huei Horng

Dr. Wi-Yung Hsu

Dr. Chia-Tze Kao

Dr. Shou-Hsin Kuang

Dr. Ming-Hsien Lan

Dr. Yun-Yun Wu.

Board Supervisors:

Dr. Hoi-Shing Luk

Dr. Min-Chih Hung

Dr. Chen-Hsing Yen

Dr. Li-Hsiang Lin

Dr. Chin-Yuh Yang