The inaugural Future Leaders in Orthodontics Symposium (FLOS) meeting took place October 22 during the 10th International Orthodontic Congress in Rio de Janeiro, marking an important step in the WFO’s commitment to supporting early-career orthodontists.
The session opened with a keynote lecture from Dr. Ali Darendeliler, who delivered an energizing and insightful overview of root resorption and set the stage for a morning focused on shared learning and global collaboration.
“Residents from Australia, Egypt, Brazil, Peru, Turkey and the United Kingdom presented an impressive series of clinical cases and practice-enhancing pearls,” said FLOS Chair Dr. Julian Wooley. “The breadth of presentations demonstrated the strength of the international orthodontic community and the value of creating spaces where residents can exchange ideas across borders. Adding a touch of youthful enthusiasm, the FLOS temporary tattoos and stickers quickly became a unifying symbol of the morning and could be seen throughout the IOC venue in the days that followed.”
The well-attended meeting included:
► The Best Clinical Case award presentation to Dr. Ahmed Samir from Egypt; and
► The Best Clinical Pearl award presentation to Dr. Beyçe Karaman from Turkey.
2020-25 Former WFO President Dr. Nikhillesh Vaiid presented a WFO pin to Dr. Wooley in recognition of his leadership of FLOS and commitment to strengthening the global orthodontic resident community. The event concluded with an invitation from the incoming FLOS Chair, Dr. Hanyi Li, to upcoming opportunities for young members to connect, including the next FLOS session at the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Congress in Singapore (November 6-8, 2026).
