The VAO–WIOC 2025 Congress – combining the 16th World Implant Orthodontic Conference (WIOC) and the 7th Annual Congress of the Vietnam Association of Orthodontists (VAO) – took place from July 25 to 27, 2025, at the Adora Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. With the theme “Expanding the Limits in Orthodontics”, the congress emerged as a major academic platform, bringing together leading experts worldwide in the field of orthodontics and implant orthodontics.
The congress attracted over 500 delegates to the main program and more than 200 participants to the pre-congress courses. The scientific program was meticulously designed, featuring a total of 31 lectures and one workshop, delivered by 23 distinguished international speakers from the United States, Korea, Germany, Japan,
Switzerland, Taiwan, and other countries, alongside five Vietnamese speakers as Prof. Kee Joon Lee (Korea), Prof. Ravindra Nanda (USA), Prof. Benedict Wilmes (Germany), Prof. Flavio Uribe (USA)… whose contributions have significantly shaped modern orthodontic biomechanics and skeletal anchorage therapy. The participation of
Vietnamese speakers such as A.Prof. Pham Nhu Hai, Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy Nga, and Dr. Cu Hoang Anh reflected the growing integration of Vietnamese orthodontics into the global academic community, with domestic research and clinical applications receiving strong recognition on the international stage.
The congress comprehensively covered a wide spectrum of contemporary topics and advanced clinical applications. Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) were emphasized as one of the most transformative innovations in modern orthodontics. Presentations demonstrated their effectiveness in vertical control, space closure, management of borderline cases, and the enhancement of facial esthetics. Skeletal expansion techniques, particularly MARPE (Micro-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and its modified designs, were introduced as safe and efficient treatment options for both adolescents and adults. A further highlight was the discussion of non-surgical strategies for skeletal Class III malocclusion, conditions traditionally managed by surgery. Clinical cases illustrated the feasibility of combining fixed appliances, mini-implants, and the GEAW system to achieve optimal results. The congress also provided extensive insights into digital orthodontics
and 3D-printed appliances, heralding a new era of highly individualized aligner-based treatments.
Alongside the scientific sessions, several significant academic events took place. The General Assembly (AGM) of the Asian Pacific Orthodontic Society (APOS) brought together representatives from regional associations to discuss future directions of collaboration. The WIOA Board Meeting (World Implant Orthodontic Association)
continued to serve as a distinguished international forum for scientific exchange. The E-Poster competition created a dynamic forum for young professionals, with 15 young researchers presenting original studies and 35 young clinicians showcasing clinical cases. The competition concluded with awards in two distinct categories:
research and clinical case presentation. In each category, two First Prizes, two Second Prizes, and two Third Prizes were granted, generously supported by the WIOA President’s fund, with total prizes amounting to several thousand US dollars. These awards encouraged the active participation of the next generation of orthodontists.
The exhibition area, with more than 60 booths, was another highlight, showcasing the latest orthodontic technologies, appliances, and software, and providing participants with opportunities to connect directly with global solution providers.
A memorable highlight of the congress was the Gala Dinner, organized to honor speakers, guests, organizers, delegates, and E-poster participants.... The evening welcomed nearly 300 attendees in a warm and festive atmosphere. With traditional Vietnamese performances interwoven into the program, the Gala Dinner left a lasting impression on participants, serving not only as a cultural showcase but also as a meaningful bridge of friendship and unity within the international orthodontic community.
In conclusion, VAO–WIOC 2025 was recognized as one of the most successful international scientific events of the year in Viet Nam. With its scale and diversity, the congress offered valuable academic exchanges, sharing updated knowledge while encouraging collaboration, research, and innovation in orthodontics. It contributed to
broadening perspectives in modern clinical practice and represented an important step for WIOA-VAO, reflecting the growing engagement of Vietnamese orthodontics within the global academic community