Utah's Healthcare
HERO
DR. RYAN MOFFAT'S INSPIRING JOURNEY TO DENTAL EXCELLENCE by Carson Fry Dr. Ryan Craig Moffat, a pediatric dentist and Associate Professor at Roseman University’s College of Dental Medicine has dedicated his career to helping people of all ages, but especially children, access dental care. Recognizing his unwavering commitment to improving dental health for the state's most vulnerable residents, last month Dr. Moffat was honored with the prestigious Utah Business Healthcare Hero Award for Community Outreach. Dr. Moffat's journey is a testament to his tireless dedication and unyielding passion for making a difference. An alum of Highland High School, Brigham Young University, Creighton University School of Dentistry, and the University of Southern California, his educational journey laid the foundation for a career marked by profound impact. Before embarking on his path into academic dental medicine, Dr. Moffat practiced as a pediatric dentist in Draper, Utah, for an impressive 12 years. His transition to dental academia has allowed him to take his mission to new heights. As a Healthcare Hero, Dr. Moffat's story is undoubtedly compelling. However, it is not just his professional achievements that define him; it is also the support and admiration he receives from those closest to him. Among them is Lindsey Moffat, Dr. Moffat's wife and Assistant Professor and Skills & Simulation Lab Coordinator in Roseman University’s College of Nursing, who had some heartwarming words to share on her husband's remarkable achievement. "Congratulations to Ryan on being a recipient of the 2023 Healthcare Hero Award from Utah Business. I can’t think of a more deserving person than him! Ryan is truly the kindest and most dedicated person I know. He makes it a point to always leave people feeling a little better than they did before. I think that is one reason people like working with and being around him so much," said Lindsey Moffat. One of Dr. Moffat's standout achievements is the organization of dozens of dental health community outreach programs. These initiatives, made possible through the dedication of Dr. Moffat and the hard work of his dental students, have had a transformative impact on thousands of Utahns who face significant barriers to good dental health. Under Dr. Moffat's guidance, annual programs like "Back to School Brush Up™" and "Give Kids a Smile®" have opened doors to essential dental services for economically disadvantaged children in Utah. “For many families, the events provide free annual or semiannual dental checkups,” said Dr. Moffat. “Due to various circumstances, many of these children would otherwise go without dental care until there is an acute and costly problem, such as painful tooth decay.” These initiatives provide free dental exams, cleanings, and restorative care to 8|
Winter 2023