20 February 2026

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Georgia School of Orthodontics Names Research Director

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Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO) announced the appointment of Mohamed I. Masoud, BDS, DMSc, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, as its new Director of Research. A distinguished orthodontist and academic leader, Dr. Masoud brings a wealth of clinical expertise and a proven record of innovation to GSO’s research program.

Dr. Masoud earned his orthodontic certificate and Doctorate of Medical Sciences from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He subsequently served as Orthodontic Clinical Director at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and later as Director of Orthodontics at Harvard. Most recently, he held the position of Associate Professor of Orthodontics at the Howard College of Dentistry. In addition to his academic experience, Dr. Masoud has practiced clinical orthodontics in a private practice setting for nearly 20 years, bringing a real-world clinical perspective that he applies to education and research. He has been a member of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists since 2011, a distinction recognizing exceptional clinical excellence and leadership.

In his new role, Dr. Masoud will work with residents and offer direct mentorship in everything from research design to scientific writing at the Lazzara Orthodontic Center for Research, GSO’s state-of-the-art research facility and innovation hub.

“Dr. Masoud’s background in clinical and academic expertise aligns perfectly with Georgia School of Orthodontics’ mission to provide residents with a world-class education, the most advanced technology, and research,” said Nandakumar Janakiraman, BDS, MDS, Chief Academic Officer and Dean. “He is a prolific innovator whose work centers on translational research, ensuring academic concepts are rigorously tested and applied to improve patient care.”

He has made a significant impact on orthodontics through the development of multiple patented technologies. This includes a hybrid method for tooth movement that makes clear aligners an effective choice for more people, as well as a 3D dentofacial system for non-radiographic diagnosis that replaces X-rays with specialized 3D photography, and the use of artificial intelligence to assist in aligner design.

He was also the first to publish research on using IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1) as an indicator of the maturity of a patient’s skeleton. This more accurately predicts facial growth than earlier X-ray-based methods and earned Dr. Masoud the prestigious Harry Sicher Research Award from the American Association of Orthodontists.

“I am honored to join the Georgia School of Orthodontics and lead a research department that so clearly prioritizes both academic excellence and community impact,” said Dr. Masoud. “I was attracted to GSO because of its position as the largest orthodontic training program in the world, its strong academic foundation, and a leadership team committed to advancing the specialty. I believe that GSO has the ingredients to become a premier center for orthodontic research and innovation.”

Dr. Masoud’s appointment comes as GSO celebrates nearly a decade of growth and community impact. Since opening in 2016, GSO has provided over $290,000 in complimentary care to the Atlanta community and saved local families more than $46.6 million in orthodontic expenses.* Through public lectures, workshops, and collaborative projects, GSO is constantly working to bridge the gap between academia and community engagement and support.

With a total enrollment of 135 residents, Dr. Masoud notes that this scale will allow the Lazzara Orthodontic Center for Research to “tackle many different research topics from different angles at the same time,” which will accelerate the advancement of the specialty and the adoption of new technology.

“Under Dr. Masoud’s leadership, GSO will be positioned to answer critical research questions in the evolving field of clear aligners, including their effectiveness in treating growing children and how design, material, and manufacturing affect treatment outcomes,” said Randy Kluender, DDS, MS, President at GSO.

*Savings based on estimated median treatment costs reported in the 2023 Journal of Clinical Orthodontics Practice.

About the Georgia School of Orthodontics

Atlanta-based Georgia School of Orthodontics offers an advanced specialty education program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. The 36-month residency program is structured to provide collaborative and evidence-based learning for residents, while providing quality orthodontic care to patients in the school’s two patient clinics in metro Atlanta. GSO’s mission is to educate outstanding dentists to be proficient in the clinical specialty of orthodontics, while providing Georgians with the highest level of patient care available. GSO faculty and staff are dedicated to excellence in education, research, and patient-centered care.

Source: www.GSOrthodontics.org