SR 691: Georgia School of Orthodontics; recognize

This is a commendation resolution, a formal statement of praise passed by the Georgia Senate rather than a law that changes anyone's rights or duties. It recognizes the Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO), a 36-month residency program founded in Atlanta in 2016 that trains dentists to become orthodontic specialists. The resolution highlights GSO's John Lewis Legacy Scholarships, an $8.5 million scholarship initiative created with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation that will fund 47 three-year scholarships over 12 years starting in August 2025. It also notes GSO's 'Gift of a Smile' program, which provides free orthodontic care to children, adults, and veterans. The Senate directs its Secretary to send a copy of the resolution to the school as a token of recognition.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Georgia School of Orthodontics for training orthodontic specialists and providing patient care.
• States the Senate's praise for GSO's John Lewis Legacy Scholarships, an $8.5 million initiative offering 47 three-year scholarships over 12 years.
• Notes GSO's 'Gift of a Smile' program, which gives free dental and orthodontic care to children, adults, and veterans.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the school.

The resolution directly names the Georgia School of Orthodontics, its faculty, and students. It also references scholarship recipients under the John Lewis Legacy Scholarships and the patients, including children, adults, and veterans, served by the school's free care programs.

Because this is a commendation resolution rather than a law, it does not create funding, requirements, or penalties. Its practical effect is symbolic: it puts the Senate's formal recognition on record and provides the school with an official copy honoring its scholarship and community care programs.

• The preamble ('WHEREAS' clauses) describes GSO's founding in 2016, its 36-month residency program, and its mission to train orthodontic specialists.
• The preamble describes the $8.5 million John Lewis Legacy Scholarships initiative, created with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, funding 47 three-year scholarships over 12 years starting August 2025.
• The resolving clause formally states that the Senate recognizes and commends the Georgia School of Orthodontics.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the school.

1. 2026-02-05Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-03Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)Primary sponsor
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)

• dental education
• orthodontics
• scholarships
• Georgia Senate resolution
• John Lewis Legacy Scholarships