Dr. Ricky E. Harrell Georgia School of Orthodontics Program Director Emeritus
The globally renowned clinical professor and groundbreaking orthodontic surgeon has helped create the largest orthodontics residency program in the world.
Atlanta (August 2024) – Atlanta-based Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO), the largest orthodontic residency program in the world, announces the official retirement of Program Director Dr. Ricky E Harrell, although he will continue to contribute to the growth of the school as Program Director Emeritus.
“During his seven-year tenure at GSO, Dr. Harrell has compiled a remarkable record of success and helped transform this program into the institution we are today,” said Randy Kluender, D.D.S., M.S. President & Chairman, Board of Trustees. “Shortly after his arrival, Dr. Harrell played an instrumental part in the Commission on Dental Accreditation process and ensured that our educational offerings far exceed the standards.”
Dr. Harrell also devised GSO’s academic curriculum and served as a professor for GSO residents, a position he will continue. His work has been highlighted in several noted dental-related publications, including BMC Oral Health, Decisions in Dentistry, American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.
“There is no question that GSO has greatly improved over the last seven years due, in large part, to the vision, integrity, energy and unwavering commitment of Dr. Harrell,” Kluender added. “We are grateful that he has committed to remain in a consulting capacity as we continue to advance the country’s leading orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedics program.”
As Program Director Emeritus, Dr. Harrell will continue to provide support and assistance to GSO in the following areas: accreditation; teaching; approving treatment plans and the school’s “Boot Camp.” He received GSO’s Meritorious Award in 2023 and was recently appointed as a member of the Georgia School of Orthodontics Board of Trustees
Along with his responsibilities as GSO Program Director Emeritus, Clinical Professor, and Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), Dr. Harrell serves as: Adjunct Faculty Member, Center for Translational Orthodontic Research Residency Program in Hoboken, NJ, and Adjunct Faculty Member, Emory University PG Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program, Reviewer for AJODO Clinical Companion and Peer Review Panel, Decisions in Dentistry. He also is a life member of the American Association of Orthodontists and member of the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, American Dental Educators Association, Southern Association of Orthodontists, Georgia Association of Orthodontists, Georgia Dental Association and American College of Dentists.
A highly renowned speaker at dental and orthodontic events around the globe, Dr. Harrell recently lectured at King Bin Faisal University Orthodontic Program in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, and at the University of Barcelona Medical School in Spain. This year, Dr. Harrell also addressed the Wilmer Eames Dental Study Club in Atlanta, Emory University OMFS Residency, University of Alabama Birmingham Orthodontic Residency Program, and the American Association of Orthodontists Winter Meeting in San Antonio.
Dr. Harrell previously served as Adjunct Faculty Member, Denver Health Systems Hospital Pediatric Dental Residency Program; PG Pediatric Dental Residency Program; Program Director, Professor, Post Graduate Orthodontic Residency Program, Medical University of South Carolina; Faculty Lutheran Medical Centers Pediatric Dentistry Residency; Director of Clinical Affairs, Department of Orthodontics, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine; Professor C/T, Department of Orthodontics, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine; Clinical Assistant Professor (Volunteer Faculty), Department of Orthodontics, University of Colorado Denver, School of Dental Medicine; Staff Member, The Children’s Hospital in Aurora, Colo.; and Interprofessional Education Program Facilitator, Anschutz Medical Center.
To learn more about GSO and its cutting-edge patient clinics in Atlanta and Duluth, visit Georgia School of Orthodontics.
