South African Society of Orthodontists (SASO)

South African Society of Orthodontists (SASO)

SASO is the governing body of orthodontists in South Africa. SASO is dedicated to the advancement of orthodontics in this country. The website is a resource for the public as well as professionals in this dynamic field.

Orthodontics is a field in dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. At least, that is the technical explanation. For the layperson: orthodontics are mainly braces on teeth.

The South African Society of Orthodontists (SASO) is the only governing body for the orthodontics profession in South Africa. Patients can be rest assured that SASO members have the proper academic history and credentials to practice orthodontics.

The society is dedicated to the advancement of orthodontics in South Africa, a field of dentistry that specialises in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. We promote patient education about the benefits of quality orthodontic treatment as well as increased public awareness of orthodontics, and support the upholding of standards amongst our members.

SASO was established in 1963 and today the membership numbers in excess of 80 qualified orthodontists working throughout South Africa.

Orthodontists are qualified dentists who, upon completing their degree in dentistry, have gone on to post-doctoral studies. Courses in advanced orthodontics are taken full-time in universities for an additional four years. Students are educated in the fields of tooth movement (orthodontics) and facial development (dentofacial orthopaedics). Orthodontists graduate as trained specialists in the dental field of straightening teeth and aligning jaws.

SASO is recognised by the Health Professional Council of SA (HPCSA). The society encourages good relationships with the wider field of dentistry, health authorities and allied professionals such as medical doctors, speech therapists, and physiotherapists. It supports initiatives to further the education and knowledge of its members, and keeps abreast of new techniques and products in order to best service the public.