Meet Dr. Ofilio Morales, DMD

Known for his ever-present smile, Dr. Morales believes in building relationships with his patients. He strives to relate compassionately with people in all circumstances. Understanding kids and parents alike sometimes fear medical environments, Dr. Morales takes the time to educate patients and build their confidence in his medical/dental team. He ensures patients gain an understanding of their treatment options and how these options can benefit their healthy smile.The ability to analyze situations and maintain a high level of focus—especially in trauma situations—are just two of the many strengths attributed to Dr. Morales. His conservative and methodical approach to each of the steps involved in specific treatments help him better serve each patient individually. Throughout his study of dentistry and oral surgery, Dr. Morales always yearned to learn more. In fact, it was the combination of dentistry and the more in-depth study of medicine that drew him to oral surgery.

Dr. Morales believes in giving back to the community and to the country that has afforded him so many opportunities. Donating his time to dental foundations and clinics is something you won’t hear him talk about, but is a big part of his personal mission. Dr. Morales is on call for trauma cases that utilize all of his medical skills together. He serves as an integral part of Level 1 trauma teams at Orlando Health Hospital where he and surgical teams manage patients’ overall health in critical situations.

“It is very rewarding, even when the hours are sometimes very long and the surgeries are difficult. It is hard to be away from your family, but we have the passion to do so. We don’t think about it until we come back home and realize our wife and kids are waiting for us; but then, we realize that we have done good and that is a big reward.”

Dr. Morales’ patients admire and appreciate his approachability. His genuine love of people extends to his staff, for whom he is very grateful, and his patients, who bring him joy when they achieve their best healthy smile. Dr. Morales and his wife Gloria, a retired General Dentist, live in Orlando with their sons, Carlos and Nicolas. Dr. Morales enjoys the outdoors, time with family and is an avid basketball fan. He and his wife Gloria have taken up archery, a hobby they enjoy together. It is in addition to another pastime Dr. Morales enjoys that requires a high level of focus—racing cars at the track.

Dr. Ofilio J. Morales was born in Managua, Nicaragua, Central America, graduating in 1977 at La Salle High School. He received a Bachelor of Science, Majoring in Biochemistry from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. His Dental Degree was completed at the Francisco Marroquin University in Guatemala City, Guatemala, with Cum Laude Honors. He is fully licensed by the Florida Dental Board to practice dentistry since 1991.

Dr. Morales spent four years at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, where he completed his training as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He continued his studies with a one-year fellowship in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and arthroscopic corrections in Miami, Florida under a world-renowned individual, Dr. Joseph P. McCain. He has contributed various chapters in textbooks and updates for the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is Board Certified. Dr. Morales keeps up with modern technology by attending several continuing education courses throughout the year.

Dr. Morales is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Florida Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, The American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Central Florida District Dental Association, Dental Society of Greater Orlando, Guatemala Dental Society, American College of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and subscribes to their codes of ethics. Dr. Morales is a Diplomate of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, is a Fellow of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. He is affiliated with area Hospitals including Orlando Regional Medical Center, Arnold Palmer Hospital and Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. His Diplomate status is recertified, with written examinations every ten years.