Current status of orthodontic professionals in the Asian Pacific region

Abstract

Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society (APOS) was developed in Tokyo on October 1, 2001. Currently, APOS has grown up to a scientific association specified to orthodontics with 18 affiliated societies. However, the status of orthodontic professionals in each society remains unclear beyond our understanding. To this end, I have recently conducted an internet interview to the representatives of affiliated societies. The questionnaire includes the educational system for dentists and orthodontists, the number of orthodontic departments with post-graduate programs, the number of orthodontists or members of each society, orthodontic treatment fee on average, the prevalence of CLP and the treatment, orthodontic treatment for jaw deformity patients, current status of orthodontic treatment with lingual appliances and TADs, important issues for orthodontic specialists, future plans of each society. It is hopefully anticipated that the current status of orthodontic professionals in the Asian Pacific region are well understood by all the APOS members and will become a great benefit for the development of all the affiliate societies.