What does it mean to practice evidence-based medicine or orthodontics? Among other things, it means that we must document what we do and how well we do it. In his editorial in the October 2000 issue of The Angle Orthodontist, Editor Bob Isaacson makes some important and timelycomments on the standards of orthodontic care. He asks, "Should we passively allow the consumer to establish the standards of care for orthodontists?" and then answers, "It is important for us to document what we consider acceptable."

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) took some steps in this direction with the development and