RESEARCH
The Lazzara Orthodontic Center for Research
We utilize GSO’s cutting-edge research to improve our patients’ clinical treatment and experience.
We aim to initiate well designed clinical research to position Georgia School of Orthodontics as a pioneer in the field of orthodontic research. The key to our effort is providing the required infrastructure, research funding, and personnel to achieve our goals of being preeminent nationally and internationally in the next five years. The funding dedicated to the Institute aids research in trials on accelerated orthodontics, three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography and Clear Aligners.
Research at GSO gives an excellent opportunity for graduate residents to investigate and have firsthand experience in this scholarly activity. The residents work closely with a primary investigator who guides them through conducting the research, which helps to develop critical thinking and improve their communication skills. Additionally, the school also encourages the residents to present their research findings at the American Association for Dental Research and the American Association of Orthodontics meetings held annually.
Dr. Mohamed Masoud
Director of Research
Research Center
Our innovative research center is led by our Director of Research, Dr. Mohamed I. Masoud. 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.
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.
Dr. Masoud was also the first to publish research about 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.
Published Faculty
The Georgia School of Orthodontics Institute for Orthodontic and Dentofacial Orthopedic Research is proud to include esteemed researchers and faculty among its members. Their published works help keep GSO a pioneer in the field of orthodontic research. Please click on the present and past faculty images below for a list of their respective publications.
Resident and Faculty Research Publications
Our faculty and residents keep GSO at the forefront of cutting-edge orthodontic research. Please click below to view some of their impressive publications.