German Society of Orthodontics (DGKFO)

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kieferorthopädie e.V. (DGKFO), known in English as the German Society of Orthodontics, is a non-profit registered scientific association (eingetragener Verein) in the field of orthodontics. It is registered in Bonn and recognized as a non-profit/scientific body, with an office in Berlin (Methfesselstr. 43, 10965 Berlin). Founded in 1908, it traces its early development to pioneering figures such as Alfred Kantorowicz, Gustav Korkhaus, Karl Häupl, and Rolf Fränkel, who researched and exchanged findings in this emerging field.

The society serves as the scientific professional body for (specialist) dentists who deal with the prophylaxis and correction of tooth misalignments as well as positional and form deviations of the jaws. Its objectives include promoting orthodontic research, disseminating German research results at home and abroad through a bilingual journal, cooperating with scientific societies domestically and internationally, fostering continuing education via its annual conference, and maintaining a close link between science and practice. It currently has over 3,700 members.

The DGKFO publishes the journal "Journal of Orofacial Orthopedics / Fortschritte der Kieferorthopädie" and awards annual scientific prizes, including the Arnold Biber Prize (endowed by Dentaurum) and best-paper prizes. Its president is Peter Proff (Regensburg) and vice-president is Bernd Zimmer (Kassel). As a research-promoting body bridging science and clinical practice, innovations in orthodontics are directly relevant to its mission and membership.