Authors' response

We thank Dr Hudson for his letter about our recent article. We agree wholeheartedly that we as a specialty have concentrated far too long on issues that divide us, rather than those that unite us. Perhaps, many issues related to gnathology, occlusion, condylar position, and TMD are secondary to the core doctrines of orthodontics.

Nonetheless, although well intended, Dr Hudson unfortunately presented a dissociated and fragmented, “pick and choose” summary of our article. Furthermore, his proposed topics of focus for establishing guidelines and standards are clearly slanted toward his experienced-based views and occlusal and gnathological beliefs, which challenge his aim of helping “both our specialty and our patients.”