Meet Dr. Skelton

Dr. Michelle Skelton is thrilled to join the Howell Orthodontics family and excited to return to Georgia to care for patients and families in the community. She is passionate about creating healthy, confident smiles and believes orthodontic care should be a personalized combination of art and science.

Dr. Skelton’s interest in orthodontics began at a young age. At just seven years old, she received her first palate expander and became fascinated with how orthodontic treatment could transform a smile and someone’s life. In elementary school, her childhood orthodontist invited her to shadow at his office, and from that moment on, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in orthodontics.

Dr. Skelton enjoys building long-term relationships with patients throughout treatment, and she finds it incredibly rewarding to watch patients gain confidence in their smiles over time. Being able to restore proper form and function while supporting a patient’s self-image is one of the most meaningful aspects of her work.

She first came to Atlanta to attend Emory University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Educational Studies. Dr. Skelton later moved to New York City and spent seven years training at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery, her Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, and her Certificate in Orthodontics.

During her training, Dr. Skelton served as Chief Resident and received several honors for leadership and research, having authored multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications. She is passionate about advancing the dental profession and has been actively involved in organized dentistry, serving in leadership roles at the national, state, and local levels within both the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists.

After many years in NYC, Dr. Skelton and her husband were excited to return to the Atlanta area to be closer to family and the community they both love.

Education

• Emory University (Atlanta, GA) - Bachelor of Science in Biology, minor in Educational Studies
• Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (New York, NY) - Doctor of Dental Surgery
• Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (New York, NY) - Master of Science in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, Certificate in Orthodontics

Professional Affiliations

• Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
• American Association of Orthodontists
• Southern Society of Orthodontists
• Georgia Association of Orthodontists
• American Dental Association
• Georgia Dental Association
• Northwestern District Dental Society
• Columbia Dental Medicine Alumni Association

Awards & Honors

• Dr. Isabel Whitehill-Grayson Orthodontic Award for leadership and service (Columbia University CDM, 2025)
• Divisional Excellence Award in Orthodontics (Columbia University CDM, 2022)
• Campbell Award for leadership and spirit (Columbia University Alumni Association, 2022)
• American Student Dental Association Award of Excellence (Columbia University CDM, 2022)
• Finalist and Medalist in the William Proffit Resident Research Competition (American Association of Orthodontics, 2025)
• Finalist and Medalist in the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists Research Competition  (American Association of Orthodontics, 2023, 2024)
• Awarded research grant funds (American Academy of Periodontology Foundation Richman Family Scholarship, 2024, Northeastern Society of Orthodontists Resident Research Grant, 2023)
• Awarded “Excellence in IPE” scholarship (Columbia University IPE, 2019)
• Darrell R. Stokes Award for Excellence in Biology, Biology Student of the Year (Emory University, 2018)
• National Scout of the Year, First Runner Up (Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2014)
• Finalist at Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF, 2013)
• Gold Award (highest honor), Silver Award, Bronze Award (Girl Scouts of America, 2012, 2010, 2008)

Outside the Office

Outside of orthodontics, Dr. Skelton enjoys cycling, flying trapeze, hiking, and traveling. She and her husband love exploring new places and have traveled to six continents together, including when they honeymooned in Antarctica! They are excited to continue putting down roots in the Atlanta area and exploring everything Georgia has to offer.