The Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO) has named Melvin Polk, DDS, MS, a current full-time faculty member at the school, as its new interim program director. Polk replaces Pramod Sinha, DDS, MS.
“We are appreciative for the service and leadership Dr Sinha displayed during his tenure as the inaugural program director,” said Randy Kluender, DDS, MS, Chairman of the Board. “Under Dr Sinha’s guidance, the school has made significant advances including establishing a strong academic and clinical orthodontic residency program, receiving Initial Accreditation, building a strong faculty, and starting its inaugural class of residents.”
A native of Nashville, Polk received his BS in Biology from the University of Tennessee and his DDS from Meharry Medical College. He earned his Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the U.S. Army Medical Department at Fort Knox, Ky, and simultaneously was awarded his MS in Oral Biology from the University of Louisville.
He previously served as chair of the Department of Orthodontics at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, and has been a full-time faculty member at GSO since its inception. Polk is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and Southern Association of Orthodontists, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
“I consider it an honor that the school is entrusting me with the responsibility of continuing to build on the legacy of this innovative institution,” said Polk. “The vision is crystal clear. My role is to continue to further the mission while also positioning the school to remain relevant and at the forefront of the orthodontic education environment.”
Polk will continue to maintain a focus on faculty, residents, and staff engagement as well as enhance key partnerships and advance underserved community outreach, according to a press release from the school.
