What is recommended to help to find a functional orthodontist?

No such "thing": As another doctor said, any good orthodontist uses functional appliances as a tool in their tool belt, but someone who claims this is all they do is a snake oil salesman plain and simple. See a board certified orthodontist and discuss all your options.

Functional appliance: I assume you mean the utilization of "functional appliances". These appliances were intrroduced to the profession many years ago with the initial thought that they promoted lower jaw growth. Contemporary studies have demonstrated that they lack this capability and the extent of jaw growth is genetically predetermined. In summary, we currrently lack the means to increase jaw growth.

The Web: There are a couple of ways to help you with this. First i would have you try this web site www.Mylifemysmile.Org. It is a new site that will let you find someone in your local area. The second one is, use google or bing or whatever is your search engine and type in --american association of orthodontists-- this should give you some choices to hopefully find what you want.

Snake Oil: All qualified Orthodontists are trained in functional jaw orthopedics. Mildly to moderately effective in treating skeletal malrelationships in growing children. Does NOT fix skeletal imbalance in non-growing adults. In adults functional treatment can actually damage the tooth supporting bone without changing underlying skeletal relationships. Snake oil. No scientific support of efficacy.