The Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO) proudly announced the graduation of its Class of 2025 residency, marking a milestone in the school’s history.
The 40 graduates successfully completed the 36-month postdoctoral orthodontic and dentofacial orthodontics program, which encompassed intensive teaching, clinical work, and research. The graduation ceremony was held at the InterContinental Atlanta Buckhead.
“The Class of 2025 is the largest graduating class at GSO since its founding in 2016,” said Dr. Cynthia Mendez, program director and assistant professor. “We are incredibly proud of these graduates and look forward to their future contributions to the field of orthodontics.”
The ceremony also featured a keynote address by Cathy Cagle, former Lieutenant Governor of Georgia and member of the GSO Board of Directors, who praised the graduates’ achievements.
During the event, 11 scholarship recipients were recognized for their academic and clinical excellence.
Notable awards included the Dr. Melvin S. Polk Professionalism and Scholarship Award, presented to third-year residents Ariel B. Banks and Leo Freitas.
Ariel B. Banks also received the Gasper Lazara Orthodontic Diversity Scholarship. Leadership and Professionalism Scholarships were awarded to residents Hikmat Abdan, Arash Afkam, and Daniel Escobedo.
Since its founding in 2016, GSO has awarded over $2.5 million in scholarships to veterans, children, and community heroes in the Atlanta area and provided over $250,000 in free orthodontic care.
To promote diversity and inclusion, the GSO classes of 2024 and 2025 will set new records for the largest number of graduates in school history, with 33 and 29 women, respectively.
Looking ahead, the class of 2028 will be the largest in GSO history, with 50 residents joining this month.
Dr. Randy Kluender, Chairman of the GSO Board of Directors, expressed optimism for the future, stating, “These 50 residents represent the future of orthodontics, and we are committed to providing them with the highest standards of education while encouraging community involvement through our free orthodontic care programs.”
GSO’s mission remains focused on excellence in clinical orthodontics and patient care, ensuring its residents are not only skilled professionals but also dedicated community contributors.
