Public Interest Incorporated Association
Japanese Association of Orthodontists Head Office

C/O Oral Health Association of Japan 1-43-9 Komagome, Toshima-ku,
Tokyo, 170-0003

Tel: +81-3-3947-8891
Fax: +81-3-3947-8341

information@jpao.jp

The 53nd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association of Orthodontics

Theme	Orthodontic treatment and public understanding
Chairperson	Kazuyoshi IGARASHI
Date	February 25th (Wed) and 26th (Thurs), 2026
Venue	HOTEL METROPOLITAN SENDAI (1-1-1 Chuo Aoba-ku Sendai-shi 980-8477, Japan) Tel: +81-22-268-2525
Program	53th.pdf

Japanese Association of Orthodontists

This is the largest organization of orthodontists in Japan who contribute to the promotion of health by establishing practices in orthodontic clinics and providing treatments.

The Japanese Association of Orthodontists is a gathering of orthodontists with practices specializing in orthodontics.

To become a member, that person should be practicing clinical orthodontics, possess over five years of experience, and must be recommended by at least three other people.

There are branches in 13 regions throughout Japan and currently there are approximately 450 members.

The Japanese Association of Orthodontists was established in 1972 as a national organization and has already been active for over 30 years.

Contributions to Society/Educational Activities

• Information from the homepage.

  • Publishes various information to aim at promoting proper knowledge regarding clinical orthodontics.

  • Established a consultation corner to receive questions regarding clinical orthodontics from the entire country.

  • Provides searches for the nearest domestic practitioner specializing in orthodontics (member clinics).

• Provides public seminars using publicity caravans in various regions throughout Japan while independently conducting educational activities from the 13 branches throughout the country.

• Publishes orthodontic guidebooks for patients.

• Scheduled to start Braces Smile Contest (2005 fiscal year).

Study Activities

• The Japanese Association of Orthodontists holds a two-day convention and a two-day meeting every year.

  • There are lectures and symposiums planned, regarding broad themes which interest practitioners specializing in orthodontics, such as, the latest in clinical orthodontics, clinical administration, patient management, risk management, etc. In addition, there are presentations of research papers, scientific exhibitions, case study exhibitions, etc. for the self-improvement of its members.

  • During the convention, there is a “Lecture on Publicity” to help promote information on orthodontic treatments.

• Information regarding the academic conferences, treatment technology, etc. is communicated to its members through the “Journal of the Japanese Association of Orthodontists” and “Newsletter”.

Greetings from the President

I am Tomomi Tsuchiya, President of the Japanese Association of Orthodontics since June 2025. In this esteemed role, I feel a profound sense of responsibility to advance clinical orthodontics while ensuring the public receives safe and reliable treatment.

As a public interest corporation, we prioritize "quality assurance" in orthodontic practices, cultivate a "mindset of good medical professionals," and aim to positively influence the orthodontic industry. To become a qualified orthodontist, one must graduate from a dental university, complete specialized training, and gain substantial clinical experience. Our members are encouraged to present case reports at conferences, fostering a culture of shared learning and improved clinical outcomes.

Effective communication with patients is essential. We emphasize the importance of understanding and agreeing to the diagnostic treatment plan, costs, and potential challenges before commencing treatment. Given the ease of accessing information today, it is crucial to convey accurate knowledge to gain the public's trust.

As the landscape of orthodontics evolves, we remain committed to self-improvement and strengthening collaborations with related organizations to provide the highest standard of care to the public.

About JpAO

JpAO is the only association in Japan of private practitioners specializing only in orthodontics. We have approximately 450 members who have studied orthodontics in graduate school or authorized postgraduate orthodontic programs. Members are experienced, skillful, professional orthodontists providing high quality treatment and care to patients. 

JpAO aims to develop public awareness about orthodontics while at the same time providing a professional network for private practitioners of orthodontics in Japan.

In 2023, we commemorated our 50th anniversary. We are committed to continued hard work in our communities and to establish the field of orthodontics as a dental specialization.

What we do

PUBLIC AWARENESS

Since public education and awareness of oral health and related psycho-social issues are the cornerstones of JpAO, we conduct patient education seminars on topics such as the benefits of a good smile and dental health. We also run an annual nationwide Brace Smile Contest. This contest has proven popular and is extending beyond Japan, to Korea and Taiwan through the Korean Society of Orthodontists (KSO) in 2015 and the Taiwan Association of Orthodontists (TAO) in 2016.

PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
JpAO provides lectures and a journal to improve knowledge and clinical skills in the field of orthodontics. We also conduct several conferences and meetings towards this aim.

In February JpAO holds an annual conference on scientific and clinical themes; while the June annual meeting focuses on the business aspects of practice management.

The Conference Planning Committee and the Board have been busy planning our annual conference, which will be held Feb 16-17, 2022 in Sapporo, Hokkaido and Feb 21-22, 2023 in Fukuoka.

Details on upcoming conference schedules, registration, and opportunities for sponsorship will be posted online soon.

Patient transfer support

For relocating patients - domestically or internationally - JpAO can also provide assistance. In order to provide high quality service to patients, our nationwide network makes it easy to facilitate the smooth transfer of patients when relocation is necessary. We also support systematic treatment fee transfer or refund to ensure the transition is done agreeably for both doctors and patients.

We have also added socially responsible programs to our line up. This includes online consultations for those under going treatment and the provision of financial assistance to orthodontic patients for those affected by the 2011 East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

Please join us!

Thank you again to the members of JpAO. Each member is important in achieving JpAOfs mission. As we move the organization forward, I extend an invitation to each of you to become involved in JpAO through active participation in our conferences, seminars and committees.

I am looking forward to another rewarding year of service to JpAO with each of you.