For the first time in the 20-year history of the World Federation of Orthodontists, a UK orthodontist has become its President.
Allan Thom, a Past President of the British Orthodontic Society, took on the prestigious role on the last day of the 8th International Orthodontic Congress in London on September 30th.
Dr Thom has served as President Elect of the WFO for the last five years and is on the Executive Council. His role as President continues until 2020 when he will hand over to his successor at the culmination of the 9th International Orthodontic Congress in Japan.
Speaking for the first time as President of WFO, Dr Thom will emphasise the importance of the WFO in supporting colleagues in areas of the world plagued by civil unrest. ‘There must be strong support for our present fellows and elected representatives in these countries who are trying to maintain both a service and high standards to patients under challenging conditions.’
He pledged the WFO’s commitment to help deserving young orthodontists attend future IOC meetings. ‘A concept instigated at this IOC has facilitated 35 young orthodontists from less affluent countries who would not normally have been able to come to London to attend and learn from top international speakers. A life changing experience for them and something we would like to perpetuate.’
Dr Thom paid tribute to Dr Roberto Justus, his immediate predecessor, and thanked WFO fellows for electing him into the prestigious role.
Allan Thom has been a consultant orthodontist for 30 years and now works as an expert witness. He has lectured and taught in 25 different countries and co-authored five books, as well as the seminal BOS Radiography Guidelines.