SR691: SR691 Georgia School of Orthodontics; recognize

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate honoring the Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO), an accredited 36-month residency program based in Atlanta that trains dentists to become orthodontic specialists. The resolution highlights GSO's mission of patient-centered care, teaching, research, and community service. It specifically praises GSO's new $8.5 million John Lewis Legacy Scholarships program, created with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, which will fund 47 three-year scholarships over 12 years starting in August 2025. The resolution also notes GSO's 'Gift of a Smile' program, which offers free dental care to children, adults, and veterans. The Senate formally commends the school and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to GSO; it creates no new law, funding, or legal requirement.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Georgia School of Orthodontics through an official Senate resolution.
• States the Senate's praise for GSO's residency program and its patient-centered orthodontic training.
• Highlights the John Lewis Legacy Scholarships, an $8.5 million scholarship initiative offering 47 three-year scholarships over 12 years.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the Georgia School of Orthodontics.

This resolution directly names and honors the Georgia School of Orthodontics, its students, and the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. It also references beneficiaries of GSO's community programs, including children, adults, and veterans who receive free dental care.

The resolution carries no legal or funding effect; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical impact is limited to a formal Senate acknowledgment and a commemorative copy sent to the school, without changing any Georgia law, regulation, or funding.

• The preamble (WHEREAS clauses) describes GSO's founding in 2016, its accreditation, and its 36-month orthodontic residency program.
• Notes the creation of the John Lewis Legacy Scholarships, an $8.5 million program developed with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation.
• States the scholarships will provide 47 three-year awards over 12 years, starting with three recipients in August 2025.
• References the 'Gift of a Smile' program providing free dental care to children, adults, and veterans.
• The resolved clause formally commends GSO for training orthodontists and providing affordable, high-quality care.
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the Georgia School of Orthodontics.

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
• Senate resolution
• Atlanta