Faculty Member Awarded Hispanic Dental Association Award

Elías M. Morón, DDS, MPH, MHL, MHSM – a proud Shark who makes his mark in the community by breaking barriers, aiding minorities, and supporting families in need – was awarded the 2021 HDA/Colgate Faculty award during the Diverse Dental Society (DDS) Multicultural Oral Health Summit on June 17.

The event was planned and organized by National Dental Association (NDA), the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and the Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID). The summit was centered around stakeholders discussing oral health issues that have impacted diverse communities.

“Hispanics are among the largest and fastest growing population in the United States, and they are facing measurable disadvantages when it comes to oral health. Hispanics experience a high prevalence of oral diseases, barriers to access dental care, and less ability to afford dental care,” Morón said. “During my career, I have supported and worked in programs to improve the lives of the homeless, mentally ill, children in foster care, substance abusers, correctional population, children living in poverty, seniors, and pregnant and childbearing high school students. I have also contributed with research, community approaches, teaching, and promoting a better understanding of the social determinants of health in our communities.”

Morón graduated with his Master of Public Health in July 2016 and Master of Science Health Law (Magna Cum Laude) in April 2021. In addition to being a two-time alumnus, he is also a clinical assistant professor at the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine.

With Morón’s background in health law, he has also been able to utilize his legal knowledge to help advance clinical and community initiatives.

“In my experience working in the healthcare, I feel that in addition to clinical knowledge, there is a huge legal component to practicing dentistry. Expanding my knowledge in health law is allowing me to support my students and colleagues in the complex legal concerns where law and health care intersect including privacy, risk management, patients’ rights and ethics, employment discrimination, copyright issues, health care administrative law, clinical research law, regulatory compliance, and patient issues,” he said.

Morón attributes his success to the university and emphasized NSU giving him an edge in his career.

“Some of the NSU core values are focused on diversity, integrity, research, community, and academic excellence,” he said. “In that way, the different programs reinforced these values. It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to apply the same values as a professor, in the same institution where I completed my health law degree.”

If you are interested in contributing to diverse communities as a healthcare professional or would like to discuss initiatives with Morón, you can contact him at em1293@nova.edu.