ABOUT US
Welcome to the World Federation of Orthodontists
Our mission is to advance the art and science of orthodontics worldwide by promoting the highest standards of care, education, training, certification, research, and treatment.
CORE VALUES
What We Stand For
At the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO), our core values are the foundation of our identity and guide our operations:
Professional Ethics
We uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of orthodontic practice.
Excellence in Training
We strive for superior education, training, credentialling, and board certification for orthodontic professionals worldwide.
Sharing Ideas & Information
We promote transparency and the free exchange of knowledge among orthodontists globally.
Pursuit of Pure Science
We are committed to advancing orthodontic research and evidence-based practices.
Truth in Education
We work to provide educational materials and programs that are accurate, comprehensive, and beneficial to our members.
Specialty Credentialing
We support national affiliates in the formation and management of orthodontic certification boards.
Our Identity
The WFO is often regarded as the “United Nations of Orthodontists.” Our logo is a globally recognized symbol of fully credentialed orthodontic specialists. Only those who meet our stringent standards can display the WFO logo, affirming their status as recognized specialists in orthodontics.
WHY JOIN THE WFO?
Member Benefits
As the premier global voice in orthodontics, the WFO offers numerous benefits to its members:
- Exclusive use of the WFO logo for display on websites, stationary, and correspondence, identifying WFO Fellows as fully credentialed orthodontic specialists
- Free access to the Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists and the WFO Gazette
- Free access to live monthly educational webinars and continuing education lectures
- Discounts on registration fees for the International Orthodontic Congress (IOC) and WFO affiliate meetings
- Listing in and access to the WFO International Orthodontic Directory for global networking
- Worldwide professional recognition when applying to join other national and global orthodontic associations such as the AAO
- Eligibility for WFO regional and international recognition awards
- Support for annual World Orthodontic Health Day activities
Our Objectives
Our strategic goals for the 2025-2030 period, as outlined in our bylaws, focus on education, membership, and communication. We aim to support the adoption of our updated Orthodontic Postgraduate Education Guidelines, enhance our webinar series, organize annual Educators Forums, and maintain ADA CERP accreditation for our lectures. We also plan to continue support of the Journal of the World Federation of Orthodontists (JWFO) and ensure the success of the 11th International Orthodontic Congress in Milan in 2030.
- Encouraging high standards in orthodontics globally
- Assisting in the formation of national associations and certifying boards
- Promoting orthodontic research
- Disseminating scientific information
- Promoting standards of training and certification
- Organizing the International Orthodontic Congress (IOC) every five years
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
Our Team
The WFO is financed by dues from fellows, donations, affiliation fees, meeting profits, grants, gifts, and bequests. Our organization is governed by our bylaws and two major bodies: The Council and the Executive Committee.
The Council
The Council is the ultimate policy-making body of the WFO. It consists of representatives from each affiliated national organization, regional representatives, and members of the Executive Committee who serve as ex-officio members of the council. They meet every five years during the IOC.
The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is responsible for managing the association, including its activities in support of Fellows and national affiliate organizations. It consists of up to 19 members, including the president and 14 elected members who serve as regional representatives, and ex officio members such as the Secretary-General, the IOC chair, and the Editor-in-Chief of the JWFO.
Our Executive Committee (2025-30)
Joseph Varghese, BDS, MS, FDSRCS(Ed), ABO-Board Certified, IBO-Board Certified
Central & East Asia
JVarghese@wfo.org
Jose Maria Robles Gil, DDS, Specialty in Orthodontics, AMO-Board Certified
North America
ROrsini@wfo.org
Roberto B. Tan, DMD, PBO-Board Certified, Speciality in Orthodontics
Southeast Asia & Oceania
RTan@wfo.org
Become a Member Today!
Join us in our mission to preserve and promote the integrity of orthodontics, foster professional growth, and advance the art and science of orthodontics worldwide.
