KOREAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS
The Korean Association of Orthodontists 57th Annual Scientific Congress took place October 9-11, 2024, in Seoul, Korea. The KOA, a WFO affiliate organization, held its meeting under the leadership of KAO president Dr. Jong Ghee Kim. Speakers from Korea and several other countries presented lectures on a wide range of clinical topics such as 3D direct printing of clear aligners, Class III treatment decisions, periodontic issues in adult patients, and many more.
Dr. Panagiotis Skoularikis, vice president of the WFO, and fellow Executive Committee members Dr. Ricardo Machado Cruz and Dr. Takashi Ono were in attendance at the meeting. On behalf of the WFO, Dr. Skoularikis presented a plaque of appreciation to Dr. Kim. In presenting the plaque, Dr. Skoularikis remarked upon the strong ties between the WFO and the KAO and the long-term support received from the KAO for all WFO activities.
“We, in the WFO, look forward to strengthening even more our connections with one of the most important orthodontic associations in Asia,” said Dr. Skoularikis
GREAT LAKES ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS AND THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC SOCIETY OF ORTHODONTISTS
Dr. Aron Dellinger, secretary general of the WFO, presented a lecture at the joint meeting of the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists and the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists, which took place October 17-20 in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Dr. Dellinger spoke informally with many attendees about the 10th WFO IOC in Rio de Janeiro next October and reported strong interest in attending the meeting.
Dr. Dellinger (center) is pictured with Dr. Kelton Stewart, 2023-24 GLAO President, and Dr. Alireza Omid Rajaei, 2023-24 MASO president. Both organizations are regional constituents of the American Association of Orthodontists.
Dr. Dellinger also shared a photo featuring Dr. Roberto Hernandez Orsini of Puerto Rico, president-elect of the American Board of Orthodontics, and his wife, Dr. Teresa J. Izzary Caro, along with Mrs. Mary Carol Puntillo and Dr. Anthony “Tony” Puntillo of the ABO Board of Directors.
MACEDONIAN ORTHODONTIC SOCIETY
The 5th Macedonian Orthodontic Society Congress took place from September 26-29, 2024, in the picturesque UNESCO-protected city of Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia.
WFO President Elect Dr. Letizia Perillo spoke to attendees at the meeting. Dr. Perillo expressed gratitude to Dr. Gabriela Kjurchieva-Chuchkova, president of MOS, which is a WFO affiliate organization, “for the warm invitation to address the attendees, speaking on behalf of WFO President Dr. Nikhillesh Vaiid.”
Dr. Perillo shared insights alongside noted speakers including Dr. Vaska Vandevska-Radunovic, Dr. Moshos Papadoulopos, Dr. Nazan Kucukkeles, Dr. Victoria Georgieva Gurgurieva, and many other distinguished colleagues.
“Beyond the academic sessions, the congress fostered an exceptional sense of camaraderie among attendees, allowing us to renew professional relationships and create lasting bonds within the global orthodontic community,” added Dr. Perillo.
The social program was equally captivating, featuring explorations of Ohrid’s historical landmarks, a scenic boat trip on Lake Ohrid, and a visit to the iconic Sveti Naum Monastery. These experiences offered a profound appreciation for the cultural and natural beauty of the region.
TURKISH ORTHODONTIC SOCIETY
WFO President Dr. Nikhillesh Vaiid met with the “Young Turks,” a group of young orthodontists within the Turkish Orthodontic Society, a WFO affiliate organization. The group of young orthodontic leaders in Turkey held its meeting just before the society’s XIXth International Congress, which took place November 2-6 in Belek-Antalya, Turkey.
SOCIETA ITALIANA DI ORTODONZIA (SIDO)
The 55th SIDO International Congress took place October 17-19, 2024, in Florence, Italy, under the leadership of Dr. Ute Schneider-Moser, president of SIDO, which is an affiliate organization of the WFO.
The Tiziano Baccetti Honorary Lecture at the SIDO meeting was delivered by three outstanding presenters, including Dr. Nikhillesh Vaiid, WFO president. The congress also introduced a new event, the First Female Leadership Summit, which featured inspiring talks from some of the leading women in orthodontics.
Dr. Letizia Perillo, WFO president-elect, presented Dr. Schneider-Moser with a plaque in recognition of her outstanding vision in promoting the specialty of orthodontics. Dr. Perillo also congratulated Dr. Ambra Michelotti on her election as the next SIDO president.
“Dr. Schneider-Moser’s dedication and attention to detail were evident throughout the congress,” said Dr. Perillo.
HO CHI MINH CITY ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS
Participants from around the world attended the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Orthodontists (HAO) meeting, “Advancing Orthodontic Treatment for Growing Patients,” November 8-10, 2024, in Ho Chi Minh City.
The two-day conference focused on early orthodontic treatment for malocclusions and the management of dentoskeletal discrepancies in growing patients. Speakers included five esteemed international orthodontists and two distinguished Vietnamese experts, who presented cutting-edge research, innovative techniques, and valuable clinical insights.
Drs. Takashi Ono and Letizia Perillo of the WFO Executive Committee joined WFO President Dr. Nikhillesh Vaiid at the event. They presented Dr. Trang Ho Thi Thuy, president of the HAO, which is a WFO affiliate, with a commemorative plaque in recognition of her outstanding efforts in advancing the field of orthodontics.
A program highlight was the pre-conference workshop, an interactive, hands-on session that provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of advanced orthodontic techniques. The conference concluded with a discussion featuring leading experts debating innovative treatment strategies for Class III malocclusions.
During the meeting, many HAO members expressed their intention to apply to become WFO Fellows.
