IOF International Orthodontics Foundation - Committees

The IOF Science Committee assumes a crucial role in overseeing the IOF Research Grants Program. Their wealth of expertise and knowledge in the field of orthodontics empowers them to provide valuable suggestions and insights, ensuring the Research Grants Program is structured to support groundbreaking research initiatives.

Throughout the grant application process, the committee meticulously reviews each eligible submission, evaluating the research proposals based on their scientific merit, potential impact, and alignment with the program's objectives.

Dr. Ching-Chang Ko
DDS, MS, PhD

Co-chair of IOF Science Committee
Chair of the Division of Orthodontics,
Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, USA

Dr. Ko has been associated with academic bioengineering and clinical orthodontics in various capacities over the last 30 years.

He is presently the Professor and Vig/William Endowed Chair of the Division of Orthodontics, Ohio State University College of Dentistry in Columbus, OH. He received his dental training first at Kaohsiung Medical College, and then PhD in Bioengineering at University of Michigan and then Orthodontic Specialty from University of Minnesota. He was an Assistant Professor of Oral Biology at Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomechanics and Biomaterials at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis US, from 1994 to 2006, and Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC) from 2006 to 2020. Before leaving UNC, he served as Program Director (2013-2019) and Chairman (2017-2020) at UNC. Many of his students received awards from American Association of Orthodontists Foundation under his direct mentorship. Dr. Ko has contributed more than 170 publications to the scientific literature in biomaterial/biomechanical sciences, orthodontics, and bone biology. He has co-authored more than 10 book chapters and recently co-edited the book entitled “Machine Learning in Dentistry”. His research in bone tissue engineering and orthodontic bioengineering was funded by NIH. He maintains a faculty clinical practice at OSU.

The Founding Committee defines the strategy of IOF. According to the strategy, the committee sets the short-term and long-term objectives for developing different programs and initiatives.

Furthermore, the committee is responsible for allocating funds to the Science Committee and providing senior counsel on medical affairs. Oversight is provided by an independent board, which is also responsible for electing the IOF chairperson and executive directors.

Dr. Ching-Chang Ko
DDS, MS, PhD

Co-chair of IOF Science Committee
Chair of the Division of Orthodontics,
Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, USA

Dr. Ko has been associated with academic bioengineering and clinical orthodontics in various capacities over the last 30 years.

He is presently the Professor and Vig/William Endowed Chair of the Division of Orthodontics, Ohio State University College of Dentistry in Columbus, OH. He received his dental training first at Kaohsiung Medical College, and then PhD in Bioengineering at University of Michigan and then Orthodontic Specialty from University of Minnesota. He was an Assistant Professor of Oral Biology at Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomechanics and Biomaterials at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis US, from 1994 to 2006, and Professor in the Department of Orthodontics at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC) from 2006 to 2020. Before leaving UNC, he served as Program Director (2013-2019) and Chairman (2017-2020) at UNC. Many of his students received awards from American Association of Orthodontists Foundation under his direct mentorship. Dr. Ko has contributed more than 170 publications to the scientific literature in biomaterial/biomechanical sciences, orthodontics, and bone biology. He has co-authored more than 10 book chapters and recently co-edited the book entitled “Machine Learning in Dentistry”. His research in bone tissue engineering and orthodontic bioengineering was funded by NIH. He maintains a faculty clinical practice at OSU.

The International Orthodontics Foundation (OF) is a not-for-profitorganization co-founded by CareCapital Group and more than 10 leading expertsfrom around the world. As a platform for international collaborative innovation, IOFis dedicated to advancing orthodontic care globally by exploring and promotinginnovative treatment ideas and technologies.

IOF Organization

IOF Board

Define IOF’s overarching strategy and establish key objectives for short to medium term.

Allocate financial resources efficiently to align with IOF’s strategic vision.

Elect the Chairperson, committee members, and the IOF Executive Board members.

IOF Executive Board

Oversee day-to-day operations, providing strategic advice to the Foundation Board.

Ensure open communication with all committees, maintaining dialogue for informed decision-making.

Manage the Operation Office, review regular IOF reports, and enforce governance that aligns with the Foundation's goals.

IOF Science Committee

The IOF Science Committee is integral to advancing the foundation's mission of fostering research and innovation within the field of orthodontics. The committee's specific

responsibilities include:

Overseeing the IOF grants process from announcement to award, ensuring a transparent, equitable, and merit-based system.

Evaluating all applications for IOF Grants and Scholarships with rigor and upholding the highest standards of academic excellence.

Advising on the strategic direction for research initiatives, identifying emerging trends, and setting priorities that align with IOF's long-term objectives.

Facilitating collaborations and partnerships with academic institutions, industry, and other stakeholders to advance orthodontic research.