Orthodontics has been a recognized specialty for over 100 years. In France, James Quintero founded the Société Française d'Orthodontie in 1921. Other Societies were created, bringing together practitioners who shared the same philosophy (diagnostic approach and clinical sequences) or the same quality objectives (Study clubs), or even had in common their University background.

These companies have joined forces to form the Fédération Française d'Orthodontie, to pool their strengths and better serve the profession.

The original 9 societies organized the Journées de l'Orthodontie, replacing the SFODF's "Petite Session", before forming a Federation. Julien Philippe was the first President in 2001, followed by Pierre Planché and Gisèle Delhaye-Thépaut.

To date, 12 Scientific Societies, including the Teachers' College, are associated with the Federation.

Initially constituted as an association governed by the law of July 1, 1901, declared to the Paris Prefecture on May 3, 2001 (JO June 2, 2001), the Fédération Française d'Orthodontie was transformed by a unanimous decision of its Members on October 20, 2011 into an economic interest group governed by articles L. 251-1 et seq. of the French Commercial Code and all subsequent texts, whose first Director was Olivier Mauchamp.

The Fédération Française d'Orthodontie is at the service of Orthodontics and its member Societies, but its main task is to organize and promote the Journées de l'Orthodontie.

Orthodontics Days

Over three days, it's the biggest gathering of the entire profession: orthodontists, general practitioners of orthodontics, maxillo-facial surgeons, orthotists, assistants, radiodiagnostic manipulators, nurses, dental assistants, laboratories and suppliers are all on hand to share their passion and knowledge.

Thanks to the invaluable participation of suppliers, these days benefit from an ever-growing 2000m2 exhibition space.

In 2013, 3,041 people attended 170 conferences and 17 practical sessions, some with simultaneous translation.

The sessions are very varied, with pre-congress courses where the most renowned international colleagues come to share their experience with all the congress participants.

These are plenary sessions and workshops spread over six rooms and auditoriums, offering specific days for assistants, orthotists or other medical specialties who join us.

As in other medical specialties, these days are evolving to include consensus-building sessions and interactive conferences, where students at the end of their internship are invited to present their dissertations.

The future for the Federation.
The Federation, as an ecumenical model of our scientific life and within the framework of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), contributes to scientific progress and recognition of the important role of our profession in the field of health.

A research grant, a media and public relations committee to promote the image of our profession, regular scientific meetings - these are just some of the tasks that make the French Orthodontic Federation proud.

Emmanuel Frerejouan
Federation Director