Introduction and Purpose of the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO) - CAO founded in 1949 - National organization of orthodontic specialists in Canada - Headquartered in Markham, Ontario - Dedicated to advancing orthodontics and promoting quality orthodontic care - Works for higher standards of excellence in orthodontic practice

Membership Categories in the CAO - Active members: registered orthodontic specialists in Canada - Student members: graduate and post-graduate students in approved programs - Academic members: completed university-level program and employed in accredited university orthodontic program - Life-Active members: members for 40 consecutive years, either active or academic

Orthodontists and their Qualifications - Orthodontists are dental specialists in diagnosing, preventing, and treating orthodontic problems - Minimum of two academic years of study in accredited orthodontic residency program - Only trained orthodontists can use the title and be members of CAO - Orthodontists focus on orthodontic health care - CAO promotes public awareness of the benefits of orthodontic health care

Affiliation with the American Association of Orthodontists - CAO is affiliated with the American Association of Orthodontists - Collaboration between Canadian and American orthodontic associations - Exchange of knowledge, research, and advancements in orthodontics - Strengthening of professional networks and relationships - Joint efforts to promote orthodontic care and education

Notable Orthodontists Associated with the CAO - Charles B. Bolton - Holly Broadbent Sr. - Allan G. Brodie - Charles J. Burstone - Peter Buschang - Calvin Case - Harold Chapman - David Di Biase - Jean Delaire - Terry Dischinger - William B. Downs - John Nutting Farrar - Rolf Frankel - Sheldon Friel - Thomas M. Graber