A non-profit scientific association based in Milan, was founded in 1968. The mission of SIDO is to provide continuing education and support to its members, to be an advisor and consultant on Orthodontic issues and guidelines at the EU, at the Italian Ministry of Health and Education and at the governmental agencies both centrally and locally, to support regional and local programs and campaigns of orthodontic screening of the population as well as orthodontic care to disadvantaged children.

SIDO has become the only Italian Orthodontic Society to be acknowledged legal status by the Ministry of Public Health. SIDO is a national CE provider acknowledged by the Ministry of Health. Becoming an Active Member of SIDO is a journey. The journey to become an Active Member includes a model display and active participation to the scientific activities of SIDO. The Bylaws of SIDO only allow Specialists to be active members of the Italian Society of Orthodontics.

In 1999 the Italian Board of Orthodontics has been founded by SIDO and international scientific committees have guided SIDO and IBO through the years to achieve international standards and recognition.
As such SIDO has: