The date chosen for the first worldwide celebration is May 15, because this is the anniversary of the formation of the WFO in 1995.
The announcement of WOHD takes place during the meeting of the American Association of Orthodontists in San Diego this month. It will be made by President Allan Thom, of the UK, who will address all the presidents of the WFO’s member organisations.
Richard George, director of external relations for the BOS, commented, “We are delighted to support World Orthodontic Health Day. The emphasis being placed by the WFO on the health benefits that orthodontics can bring to patients is welcomed by the BOS. This ties in neatly with a similar initiative in the UK and the launch of a new document from the BOS called ‘Better teeth for life’ in early May.
“We are delighted that the inaugural celebration takes place during the year when Dr Allan Thom of the UK is President of WFO. We wish Allan and colleagues (the WFO affiliate organisation presidents gathered for the WFO’s annual breakfast reception at the American Association of Orthodontists meeting) a successful launch of this important new global event celebrating orthodontics.”