A new scholarship program aims to blend orthodontics with social justice, paying tribute to one of the most revered voices in American civil rights
The Georgia School of Orthodontics is stepping into a new chapter — not just in education, but in remembrance. This week, the school announced a $8.5 million partnership with the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation to launch a scholarship program honoring the late Congressman John Lewis.
It’s not just about funding degrees. It’s about shaping a generation of orthodontists who understand the value of justice, equity, and civic responsibility — from their clinic chairs to their community roles.
A Bold Tribute to a Lifelong Fighter for Justice
John Lewis was never just a lawmaker. He was a moral compass, a man whose courage under fire — from Selma to Capitol Hill — inspired millions.
And now, his name will carry into orthodontics.
Starting this August, the John Lewis Legacy Scholarship will begin awarding $180,000 over three years to select orthodontic residents at GSO. That’s full tuition, covered. Plus, civil rights education will be part of the curriculum.
“Being entrusted with Congressman Lewis’ legacy isn’t something we take lightly,” said Christopher M. Lazzara, GSO co-founder and trustee. “It’s more than a scholarship. It’s a call to serve.”
A Program That Goes Beyond the Classroom
The scholarship is just one piece of the larger plan.
In addition to financial support, GSO will incorporate immersive civil rights programming into its residency experience. All residents — not just scholarship recipients — will participate in educational initiatives inspired by Lewis’ life, including tours of historical civil rights landmarks across Georgia.
At the core of this partnership is a belief that future health professionals should leave school with more than credentials.
Here’s how the 12-year partnership breaks down:
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Total value: $8.5 million
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Scholarship amount per recipient: $180,000
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Duration of support per resident: 3 years
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Total residents served: 47 (expected)
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Program start date: August 2025
That’s a serious long-term play — one that could set a precedent for other medical and dental institutions in the South.
Why This Matters Right Now
Education is expensive. Orthodontic education? Even more so.
According to the American Dental Education Association, the average student debt for dental school graduates exceeds $300,000. Add a specialty program like orthodontics, and the numbers climb fast.
For many underrepresented students, those costs are a non-starter.
So yes, this scholarship makes education accessible — but it also sends a message. That a legacy like Lewis’ isn’t just meant for the history books. It’s meant to be lived out.
“This isn’t performative,” said one GSO faculty member who asked not to be named. “It’s about creating access and character. Not just skills.”
An Unlikely Meeting Point: Orthodontics and Civil Rights
On paper, orthodontics and civil rights don’t usually overlap.
But GSO is betting on something bigger.
By tying advanced dental education to a framework of justice and public service, the school is signaling a shift. Health care, especially oral health, is still deeply unequal in the U.S. Many communities — rural, Black, immigrant — don’t have regular access to even basic dental care.
Maybe the next generation of orthodontists can help change that.
And maybe John Lewis’ name on a scholarship is the nudge they need.
