The Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO; French: Association canadienne des orthodontistes, ACO), founded in 1949, is the Canadian national organization of educationally qualified orthodontic specialists.
The association has four classes of members: Orthodontists are dental specialists in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of orthodontic problems.
They have completed a minimum of two academic years of study in an accredited orthodontic residency program.
Only dentists who have successfully completed this specialized training are allowed to use the title "orthodontist," and membership in the Canadian Association of Orthodontists is limited to orthodontic specialists.
The CAO is affiliated with the American Association of Orthodontists.