The 1st IOF International Orthodontic Symposium Will Be Held in Shanghai This June
Newsfile Corp.
6 min read
Hong Kong, Hong Kong--(Newsfile Corp. - May 4, 2022) - The first IOF International Orthodontic Symposium & Inaugural Meeting will be held from June,3rd ~ 5th, 2022. The meeting will be broadcasted live online and available all around the world.
The theme of the symposium is, "Innovation and Transformation of Orthodontics-Advances in Research & Clinical Practice: A Look into the Future," which aims to focus on the current orthodontic academic progress and the global trends, to guide orthodontists in their field of expertise.
Fifteen elite orthodontic experts from China and across the world will unite to share stimulating presentations and facilitate academic exchanges. The two chairmen, Prof. Ravindra Nanda, Department Head of Craniofacial Sciences and Chair of the Division of Orthodontics at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine; and Prof. Zhao Zhihe president of Professor Committee, West China School and Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, will deliver keynote speeches during this symposium.
IOF (INTERNATIONAL ORTHODONTICS FOUNDATION) is an international academic organization in orthodontics and related fields. The objective is to develop understanding, foster learning and networking, and share knowledge about orthodontics and related fields for the improvement of patient care. Founded by CareCapital Group, the Organization collaborates with 11 professionals in orthodontics and related fields around the world to support cutting-edge research, and provide quality training and education. IOF's founding members, from North America, Europe, and China, are devoted to making the foundation an academic platform for the orthodontics industry with international standards and practice, a global vision, and unparalleled service.
An oral health project had been initiated in the "Healthy China 2030" to effectively improve Chinese people's oral health. Because of the differences in economic development level, social environment, region, etc., Chinese people desperately need an upgrade in their oral health, but it's hard to change the mindset that "a toothache is not a disease." For example, as of 2020, there were about 1.04 billion cases of malocclusion in China, but only 3.1 million of them received orthodontic treatment that year. This is a perfect demonstration of the gap between cases and actual treatment.
On one hand, that phenomenon is due to the combination of people's lack of oral health awareness and the adverse effects brought about by the refined diet that most people eat, on the other hand, the scarcity of professionals in the orthodontics industry. According to statistics, at the end of 2020, there were only 6,100 certified orthodontists in China, for every 100,000 Chinese people only, there are only 0.4 orthodontists at their service. This shortage is caused by the complexity of orthodontic clinical treatments and the hard time-consuming recruitment and education of orthodontists. It is very difficult to access systematic orthodontic education for general practitioners to get orthodontic training. Globally, high-quality orthodontic training and education are still very scarce.
In China, as well as many other developing countries, there has been an increasingly growing gap between people's health and the supply of the orthodontics industry. According to the founders of IOF, providing high-quality orthodontic treatment for such a big number of patients requires multiple resources gathered together. Firstly, we need to pass on the expertise and IOF experts hope to pass on their hard-earned academic achievements and clinical experience to young practitioners all over the world. This will directly influence and promote the future development of the industry. Secondly, we need to keep innovating. We must continue to effectively improve diagnosis and treatment, working procedures, and patient satisfaction by putting more work into developing and popularizing digital technology, new materials, and new tools. Thirdly, we need to create a wide network. An exchange and interaction mechanism for the orthodontic industry around the globe needs to be built so that we can share strengths, boost cooperation between academic and industrial circles, and build an international chain that includes: innovation, academics, technology, clinics, products, service, and experience. With these values, we will truly benefit patients around the world.
These health phenomena and challenges have catalyzed the birth of IOF and inspired this symposium. The 1st IOF International Orthodontics symposium will be held online from June,3rd ~ 5th, and will focus on key issues in the development of orthodontics today. Experts and academic leaders from all around the world, each with their own, unique perspectives will give keynote speeches, and explore solutions together. Additionally, the IOF will be officially inaugurated during the symposium and the first round of applications for the IOF Research Grants will be launched. This will provide more diversified chances for international cooperation between young scholars who are interested in innovative research in the orthodontics industry.
The topics of the symposium consist of four parts, which focus on recent advances in research and clinical practices, and the innovation and transformation of orthodontics and related field. The first part, "Clear Aligner Biomechanics and Treatments," will be discussed by several professors, specifically Chairman Ravindra Nanda, honorary professor of the University of Connecticut; Dr. Nikhilesh R Vaid, guest professor of School of Dentistry, Saveetha University; and Professor Jin Zuolin, director of Orthodontics Department, School of Stomatology of Fourth Military Medical University.
The second part is "Applications of Current 3D Technology in Orthodontics," and will be discussed by Dr. Theodore Eliades, director of the Clinic of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, and director of the institute of Oral Biology at the Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich; Dr. Bjorn Ludwig, assistant professor of Department of Orthodontics, University of Homburg/Saar; and Prof. Fang Bing, director of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.
The topic for the third is "Orthodontic Treatments vs Orthognathic Surgeries" by Prof. Peter Ngan, Chair of department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of West Virginia and Prof. Li Weiran, director of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology.
The final topic is "Artificial Intelligence Technology" which will be a discussion with Prof. Ching-Chang Ko, chair of Orthodontics Department, Ohio State University; Prof. Bai Yuxing, president of Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University; and Prof. Zhao Zhihe, president of Professor Committee, West China School and Hospital of Stomatology Sichuan University.
During the symposium, Prof. Ravindra Nanda will give a speech entitled, "Is Acceleration of Orthodontic Tooth Movement Possible? Failures and Successes?", while Prof. Zhao Zhihe will speak on the topic, "Establishment of Intelligent Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment System." Prof. Kang (Eric) Ting from the Forsyth Institute, Harvard University will elaborate on the topic "IOF Research Grants," which will help more scholars and practitioners to get sponsors for their clinical research and development.
Orthodontists and relevant healthcare professionals are welcome to join the first IOF International Orthodontics Symposium online to discuss the theme with top global experts, and to share insights into the global trends. This aims to promote academic exchange between the West and the East and to boost technological innovation in the industry. IOF is committed to be a lifelong partner of orthodontic practitioners for creating shared values and for building a bright future.
