n the late 60s, an orthodontist named Dr. Ronald Roth became dissatisfied with his treatment results. Many of his cases ended up with problems such as jaw joint clicking, muscle pain, tooth wear, and instability. After considerable study with a host of other dental professionals,he came to the conclusion that traditional orthodontics had failed to take into account the important functional role the teeth play. Dr. Roth found that in order to maintain a stable healthy bite, the teeth had to be positioned in concert with the jaw joints. He spent countless hours studying his cases to determine the methods and techniques needed to integrate functional goals into traditional orthodontics.
ventually Dr. Roth and his partner, Dr. Bob Williams, established a learning center in San Francisco and began teaching the Roth/Williams Philosophy. In this unique and extensive course, orthodontists are shown how to incorporate function and health care into their orthodontic treatments. The value of Dr. Roth's work spread worldwide and there are now Roth/Williams teaching centers in Europe, Asia, and South America producing some of the finest orthodontists anywhere.
n addition to their orthodontic residency programs, the members of COFO have all completed the two year Roth/Williams course, and closely follow its methods and philosophy. Many are active in teaching and they all continue to expand their orthodontic knowledge.