Kim Lucas Benton received her D.D.S. from Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry, and her M.P.H. from Capella University.  She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences and currently serves as the Director of the Pacific Health Care Collaborative and Sacramento Programs at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Dr Benton’s Capstone while in graduate school focused on Diabetes and the Oral Health Connection.
Professionally, Dr Benton presented this information virtually with the San Mateo County Dental Society in August 2021 and in-person in San Francisco at the California Dental Association meeting in September 2021.  Locally, Dr Benton gave talks at Pacific Dugoni Lunch n Learns, the Coalition of Black Excellence (CBE) addressing Wellness and Oral Health, The San Francisco Chapter of Links, Inc., Black Women Investors LLC and Hope Is on The Horizon Health Fair.
Dr Benton is passionate about “spreading the word” to know your numbers and get screened or tested for Type 2 Diabetes. She encourages others to share this message. Type 2 Diabetes is completely preventable and, in some cases, reversible.

Dr. Julie A. Gray is the Associate Dean of External Affairs, Associate Professor in Restorative Dentistry and Course Director for the Expanded Function Auxiliary Course in Restorative Function at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.  She earned her D.D.S. from Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry and a Master of Art in Education at the University of Pacific Gladys E. Benerd School of Education.

A graduate of the ADEA/AAL Institute for Teaching and Learning, the ADEA Emerging Leaders Program, and the American Dental Association’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership, Dr. Gray is the immediate past Chair of the ADEA Minority Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She is the current Secretary of the ADEA practice management committee.  She is the current Chair of the Honors and Awards Committee and Administrative Marshall for the College.  She is a member of the American Dental Association, National Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Pan-Tennessee Dental Association and maintains a private practice in Nashville, Tennessee.

Dr. Gray is a fellow in the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists, recipient of the Distinguished Exemplary Teacher Award, the St. Jude Dr. Hildreth Service Award and the Meharry Alumnus of the Year Award. Her passion is service to the profession and others. She continues to serve in numerous professional and social organizations and has proven dedication to the community and the greater Nashville area and a long-standing commitment to inspiring others to reach their passion.

Dr. Elías Morón is a dedicated dental public health specialist and educator widely recognized for his commitment to advancing oral health equity and improving access to care in underserved communities. As an Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science program at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine, Dr. Morón’s extensive academic journey reflects his dedication to clinical excellence, public health leadership, and health policy innovation.

Dr. Morón earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from Universidad Metropolitana in Colombia and specialized in Health Services Management at Universidad del Norte. His pursuit of excellence brought him to the United States, where he completed a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Science in Health Law (MHL) with distinction from Nova Southeastern University. He further specialized in Dental Public Health at NYU Langone and completed advanced clinical research training at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
A prolific academic contributor, Dr. Morón has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and delivered impactful presentations at national and international conferences. His research focuses on reducing oral health disparities, enhancing access to care for underserved populations, and addressing systemic challenges in hospital-based dental care. His work informs public health policies and fosters more equitable practices in dentistry.
Dr. Morón’s contributions to the profession have earned him numerous accolades, honoring his leadership, service, and dedication to advancing the field. He serves in prominent roles, including on the Board of Directors for the Diverse Dental Society, the Board of Trustees for the Hispanic Dental Association, the Board of the American Association of Hospital Dentistry, and the American Dental Association’s Strategic Forecasting Committee’s Direct to Dentist Action Group, influencing dental health policy and professional development at the national level.
Through his unwavering commitment to improving oral health equity, mentoring the next generation of dental professionals, and leading transformative initiatives in public health dentistry, Dr. Morón continues to be a driving force in advancing the profession and improving the lives of those in need.

Dr. Shankargouda Patil is a distinguished academician and researcher with expertise in oral pathology and medical biotechnology. He earned his B.D.S. degree from PMNM Dental College, Bagalkot, India, and completed his M.D.S. in Oral Pathology from Sree Balaji Dental College, Chennai, India. He pursued his Ph.D. in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Siena, Italy, focusing on cutting-edge advancements in healthcare and biomedical sciences.

Dr. Patil is a Professor at the College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, Utah, where he actively contributes to teaching, research, and institutional leadership. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathology (London, UK), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow), the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
He holds key leadership roles, including Vice President of the Utah Section of the American Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) and Vice President of the Faculty Senate at Roseman University. Dr. Patil is a full member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, and has been recognized in Who’s Who in American Education.
Dr. Patil is a part of the prestigious Global Burden of Disease (GBD) network, contributing to impactful studies that inform global health policies. His research is regularly featured in top-tier journals, including The Lancet, reflecting his dedication to advancing global health and dental science.
A prolific scholar, Dr. Patil has authored over 300 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, three textbook chapters, and achieved an H-index of 51, with more than 15,000 citations. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice.
Dr. Patil’s interdisciplinary expertise, global collaborations, and commitment to innovation make him a trailblazer in dental education, research, and healthcare.

Dara Rogers, D.M.D., is the Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Care. She is the chair of a TUSDM standing committee, Patient Care Quality Assurance (PCQA). Her past roles have been Director of Student Clinical Integration, the course director of, "Introduction to Clinical Protocols", and a group practice coordinator for Group Clarendon and Group Back Bay.

Dr. Rogers received her D.M.D. at Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine in 1990. Her first teaching role was as an operative instructor. She co-directed the Gold Foil Preparatory Workshop for the NERB exam with Dr. William Macdonald. She then left for several years to raise her three daughters and continue her private practice. Dr. Rogers opened the doors to her own practice shortly after graduation and still maintains that practice with her husband, in Swampscott, Massachusetts. She was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Rogers first came to Massachusetts to swim for the university’s team and attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She graduated from UMass with a B.S in Zoology. She is happy to have shared Alma Maters her with so many of her fellow students and colleagues.