The WFO is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking initiative: its first-ever global awards program recognizing excellence in orthodontic education. Formal presentation of these prestigious honors will take place during the inaugural WFO Global Orthodontic Educators Forum on Wednesday, October 22, at the WFO 2025 International Orthodontic Congress (IOC) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The forum is a unique platform designed to bring together educators from all regions to share insights, celebrate achievements, and foster dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing the field today. It is expected to become a recurring highlight of future International Orthodontic Congresses.
The selection process for these awards was conducted through a rigorous evaluation by the WFO Educators Committee, composed of internationally respected leaders in orthodontic education. After careful review and ranking of nominations from around the globe, the following recipients were selected:
• WFO Educators Committee Scroll of Honor
Dr. Anne Marie Kuijpers-Jagtman
• David Turpin Outstanding Educator Lecture
Dr. Carlos Flores-Mir
• WFO Outstanding Educator Awards
Dr. Sunil Kapila, Dr. Seung-Hak Baek and Dr. Stella Chaushu
Short Talks
This dynamic session will feature five selected educators who will each present short, inspiring talks on their unique contributions to orthodontic education and leadership:
• Dr. Moschos A. Papadopoulos, Dr. Kee-Joon Lee, Dr. Mona Mohamed Salah Fayed, Dr. Veerasathpurush Allareddy and Dr. Sumit Yadav
To fully benefit from the Forum and related activities, participants are encouraged to arrive in Rio de Janeiro by the evening of Tuesday, October 21. As the global orthodontic community gathers in Rio, the WFO reaffirms its mission to promote educational excellence, support professional growth, and recognize those who lead the way with vision, integrity, and dedication.
WFO Global Orthodontic Educators Forum: Final Schedule (times are a.m.)
8:30–8:35 Welcome Address & Opening Remarks
8:35–8:45 WFO Educators Committee Scope
WFO Guidelines for Postgraduate Education in Orthodontics
8:45–9:00
9:00–9:20 WFO Awards for Excellence in Orthodontic Education
9:20–10:05 David Turpin Outstanding Educator Lecture
10:05–11:05 Four Inspiring Short Presentations
11:05–11:15 Closing Address & Group Photo
“This important milestone marks a new era for the WFO, demonstrating its deep and ongoing commitment to supporting and advancing the highest standards in orthodontic education worldwide,” said WFO President-Elect Dr. Letizia Perillo, who serves as chair of the WFO Educators Committee with Dr. Eric Liou, also of the WFO Executive Committee. “As education forms the foundation of clinical excellence and innovation in the profession, the WFO seeks to shine a spotlight on those who have significantly contributed to shaping the next generation of orthodontists through teaching, mentoring, curriculum development, and research.”
Society of Orthodontic Specialty Certifying Boards (SOSCB) Symposium
Starting at 11:30 a.m. will be another first-time IOC pre-conference event: the Society of Orthodontic Specialty Certifying Boards (SOSCB) Symposium, under the leadership of SOSCB Chair Dr. Valmy Kulbersh.
The symposium will include a keynote speech by Dr. Jae Park, 2024–25 president of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), and an update on the ABO certification process given by Dr. Roberto F. Hernández Orsini, 2025–26 president of the ABO.
Roundtable discussions will also take place at 15 tables with 10 participants each, with the following topics and leaders:
• Identifying Barriers to Board Certification
Discussion leader: Dr. Mala Ram Manohar, India
• Feasible Modifications to Board Certification Processes
Discussion leader: Dr. Maria Madrazo, Argentina
• Increasing the Number of Board-Certified Orthodontists
Discussion leader: To be determined
• Standardized Certification Requirements
Discussion leader: Dr. Susan Al-Khateeb, Jordan
• The Role of Educators in Board Certification
Discussion leader: Dr. Jayesh Rahalkar, India
• Supporting Board Certification Promotion
Discussion leader: Dr. Alberto Caprioglio, Italy
• Remote Certification Exams
Discussion leader: Dr. Dennis Lim, Philippines
• Adapting Case Requirements for Board Certification
Discussion leader: Dr. Eman Abdulbaset Alnamnakani, Saudi Arabia
• The Value of Board Certification from an Educator’s Perspective
Discussion leader: To be determined
• The Value of Board Certification for Orthodontic Graduate Programs
Discussion leader: Dr. Padma Mukherjee
• Exam Structure Comparison Certification
Discussion leader: Dr. Nita Viwattanatipa, Thailand
• Promoting Board Certification Worldwide Certification
Discussion leader: Dr. Rocio Casasola, Costa Rica
• Timing of Board Examinations Certification
Discussion leader: Dr. Roberto Hernandez Orsini, Puerto Rico, USA
• Consideration for Requirement to Practice Certification
Discussion leader: Dr. Peerapong Santiwong, Thailand
• Need for Recertification Certification
Discussion leader: Dr. Chaiyapol Chaweewannakorn, Thailand
