House Resolution 1229
By: Representative Stephens of the 164th
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the Georgia School of Orthodontics on the occasion of its 10th anniversary and
inviting its leadership to be recognized by the Georgia House of Representatives; and for
other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO), founded in 2014 by Mr. Chris
Lazzara and Dr. Gasper Lazzara, was established to expand access to advanced orthodontic
education while providing affordable, high-quality orthodontic care to the citizens of
Georgia; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia School of Orthodontics was created with a dual mission of
post-secondary professional education and community-based public service, addressing
workforce needs while improving access to oral healthcare for underserved populations
throughout the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, in 2015, the late Congressman John Lewis, a revered civil rights leader and
longtime public servant, supported GSO's accreditation efforts as one of the first signatories
of a congressional letter to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), recognizing
the institution's commitment to equity, representation, and opportunity within the dental
profession; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, the Georgia School of Orthodontics officially opened its Atlanta clinic
and received initial accreditation from CODA, welcoming its inaugural class of 18 residents
and two fellows, while committing to provide $100,000 in complimentary orthodontic
treatment to underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, GSO expanded its footprint with the opening of a state-of-the-art clinic
in Duluth, Georgia, doubling its capacity to educate residents and serve patients throughout
the Atlanta metropolitan region; and
WHEREAS, in that same year, the Georgia School of Orthodontics launched Purple Heart
Smiles in partnership with the Georgia Dental Foundation, providing complimentary
orthodontic care to children-and now grandchildren-of Purple Heart recipients, honoring the
sacrifices of America's military families; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, GSO became the first orthodontic institution in the nation to be
officially designated a Purple Heart School, further demonstrating its deep and sustained
commitment to veterans and military families; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, the Georgia School of Orthodontics celebrated its first graduating class
and earned CODA Approval Without Reporting Requirements, the highest level of
accreditation status; and
WHEREAS, between 2020 and 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, GSO implemented
innovative educational and clinical models that ensured uninterrupted resident education,
patient care, and research, demonstrating resilience and leadership during a time of
unprecedented public health challenges; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, GSO expanded its community outreach with the launch of Gift of a
Smile Heroes, extending complimentary orthodontic care to adult community heroes who
serve and strengthen Georgia's communities; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, CODA approved an expansion of GSO's residency program, increasing
class size from 36 to 45 residents to meet growing national demand for orthodontic
specialists; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, the Class of 2026 achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the American
Board of Orthodontics written examination for fifth consecutive year, and GSO graduated
its largest class to date; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, GSO opened the Lazzara Orthodontic Center for Research, positioning
Georgia as a national leader in orthodontic research, innovation, and scholarly publication;
and
WHEREAS, in 2025, the Georgia School of Orthodontics partnered with the John and Lillian
Miles Lewis Foundation to establish the $8.5 million John Lewis Legacy Scholarship,
expanding access to orthodontic education while honoring the enduring legacy of
Congressman John Lewis; and
WHEREAS, since its founding, the Georgia School of Orthodontics has treated more than
14,600 patients, generated an estimated $46.6 million in savings for Atlanta-area families,
awarded over $5 million in scholarships to 73 recipients, provided more than $290,000 in
complimentary orthodontic care, and educated 172 alumni, including 34 Diplomats of the
American Board of Orthodontics; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia School of Orthodontics operates more than 36,753 square feet of
clinical, educational, and research facilities across two campuses, contributing significantly
to Georgia's healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and national reputation in
orthodontic education.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body commend and congratulate the Georgia School of Orthodontics on
the occasion of its 10th anniversary and recognize its outstanding contributions to public
service, healthcare access, professional education, and community impact in the State of
Georgia and across the nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the leadership, faculty, residents, and staff of the
Georgia School of Orthodontics be formally invited to the floor of the Georgia House of
Representatives on a date designated by the Clerk of the House of Representatives to be
recognized for these achievements.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
Georgia School of Orthodontics.