The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is acting through its 2010 House of Delegates to respond to the need outlined by Dr Berkowitz. The following resolution was passed with a vote of 9-0 by the AAO Board of Trustees and then presented to all constituent ad-interim meetings in March and April.

RESOLVED, that the AAO sponsor a Craniofacial Anomalies and Special Needs Symposium in the summer of 2010 to develop a mission, method of interaction within the AAO governance structure and key policy and educational goals, and be it further.

RESOLVED, that the Symposium be structured as follows:

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  Existing Task Force to plan and participate in the Symposium

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  In addition to the five Task Force members, an additional eight AAO members involved with craniofacial anomalies and special needs are to be identified and invited

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  The symposium to begin with a dinner/meeting, followed by a full day program

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  Hotel, meals and transportation to be sponsored by the AAO

Although those involved in craniofacial anomalies and special needs are not a large part of the overall orthodontic community, there is a need to bring awareness to the AAO membership. The membership of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association includes about 440 orthodontists (17%). Internationally, there are also other organizations of craniofacial orthodontists. Many of the issues involved could impact programs and positions on which several AAO entities might wish to take action, including the Council on Orthodontic Education, AAO Annual Session planning committees, Council on Governmental Affairs, Council on Orthodontic Health Care, and Council on Communications, as well as the American Board of Orthodontics. Issues raised by the task force and other interested groups include special educational programming at AAO meetings, training and accreditation at orthodontic programs, insurance reimbursement, and access to care.

Symposium participants will also discuss interaction with other organizations including the American Cleft-Palate Association, International Society of Craniofacial Surgery, American Society of Craniofacial Surgery, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and International Association for Dental Research as it relates to the team approach to care and the Special Interest Division.

The 2009 House of Delegates asked the Board of Trustees to address the original resolution of creating a “special-interest division” for craniofacial and special-needs orthodontics. The task force recommended that a symposium of stakeholders meet to determine what the issues are, including an educational component for AAO members, and whether the goals can be met by using the existing AAO governance entities. Many of the issues can be addressed by existing councils by bringing in the expertise that they require. The symposium will determine the best way to accomplish the educational intent of the original resolution.