The world unites when people smile
World Orthodontic Health Day to mark global celebration of orthodontics, healthy smiles on May 15
The first World Orthodontic Health Day is almost here, and the WFO has created a special logo that will establish the brand identity of this annual celebration going forward. The logo, available in a variety of formats, is available for download
here. WFO members should use this logo in all promotional materials for this celebration.
“The WFO Promotions Committee evaluated more than 25 designs to zero in on a logo that will be the symbolic representation of World Orthodontic Health Day on May 15 henceforth,” said Dr. Nikhilesh Vaid, who is chair of the committee and a member of the WFO Executive Committee. “At the core of the logo is a wide consonant smile of bright white teeth and healthy pink gums. The braces on the teeth represent the kinship between orthodontists and a world that unites when people smile. For this purpose, the braces are actually human silhouettes holding hands as ‘buddy braces.’
“The message of harmony is also carried out through the color scheme. The Olympic colors signify people of every race and color coming together and reflect the WFO’s spirit of camaraderie,” Dr. Vaid said. “The smile is within a white circle that signifies the shining world, and the geometric outline around the circle indicates stability and impeccable reputation. Ananth Shankar, a renowned designer and cartoonist, created the logo. His work has been featured in leading national publications in India.”
The WFO Executive Committee chose May 15 for World Orthodontic Health Day as it marks the signing of the WFO’s charter in 1995 during the 4th International Orthodontic Congress® in San Francisco. World Orthodontic Health Day is designed to tie the WFO’s past and future together. “The best way to plan for the future of this glorious profession is to reflect and learn from its past,” Dr. Vaid said. “The signing of the WFO charter and the formulation of a global body of orthodontists are important landmarks in orthodontic history.”
Dr. Allan Thom, president of the WFO, will formally present the World Orthodontic Health Day logo during the annual breakfast reception for WFO affiliate organization presidents. This breakfast will be held Sunday, April 23 in conjunction with the 2017 Annual Session of the American Association of Orthodontists in San Diego, California, USA.
The WFO Executive Committee hopes to see two different levels of participation on May 15. “Affiliate organizations are encouraged to plan activities on this day with their membership. These activities might be promotional or scientific in nature,” said Dr. Thom, who is coordinating with the British Orthodontic Society to plan ways to announce this special day in the United Kingdom. “WFO fellows are also encouraged to plan activities in their office to promote the importance of orthodontic care.”
Planning for two major events in Nepal is underway. Dr. Vaid will attend the 2nd SAARC Regional Orthodontic Congress in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 15, which will draw many members of the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society and the Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopaedic Association of Nepal (ODOAN). Both are WFO affiliate organizations. Dr. Vaid and conference organizers are planning an Orthodontic Health Run close to the Nepalese parliament. The runners will wear World Orthodontic Health Day T-shirts and hats. A news conference will follow the run.
“In association with ODOAN, we are also planning a free orthodontic screening for needy children in Nepal,” Dr. Vaid said. “Experts from all of Asia will participate in the activity. Some of the children will receive donated services and treatment by Nepalese orthodontists. Since Nepal suffered a huge earthquake in 2015, its economy and infrastructure have suffered a setback. This activity intends to support one of the most underprivileged regions in the world. A key objective of the WFO is to bring and spread smiles across the globe through specialty care.”
Members of the WFO Executive Committee are planning similar activities in their respective regions. Please keep the WFO informed of your World Orthodontic Health Day activities. Send updates and photographs of activities to WOHD@wfo.org.