Missouri Veteran Oral Health Panel
Sponsored by DHSS Office of Dental Health
Presented by Ashley Herrman (Facilitator), Dr. Herb Silva, Katie Schroeder, Dr. Mack Taylor, Katherine Leverich
Learning Objectives:
Participants will gain an understanding of the current state of Veteran's oral health in Missouri
Attendees will increase awareness of Veteran's oral health programs in Missouri
View Presentation Slides:
Silva - A.T. Still University MOSDOH Veterans Project
Leverich - Rural Parish Clinic of the Archdiocese of St. Louis - Dental
Schroeder - Enable Dental MO Veterans Commission
Ashley Herrman, MPH Facilitator 
Community Outreach and Project Development Director, MCOH
Ashley Herrman, MPH, started with the Coalition on August 20, 2018. She began working in a position that is new to the Coalition, the Community Outreach and Project Development Director, which has lead responsibility for broadening the Coalition statewide network. Ashley has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She has a background in public health with a Master of Public Health from the University of Missouri Columbia and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Truman State University. Ashley has worked in local public health agencies as well as in non-profit organizations. She has extensive experience in tobacco control and prevention, as well as other healthy living initiatives such as access to healthy food and increasing community health through physical activity. Ashley is an advocate for oral health and community relationship building to advance public health policies both locally and at a state level.
Dr. Herb Silva, DMD
Comprehensive Care Unit Director, A.T. Still University - Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Herbert P. Silva, DMD, is the comprehensive care unit director for A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health’s (ATSU-MOSDOH) St. Louis Dental Education and Oral Health Clinic. Prior to joining ATSU-MOSDOH, Dr. Silva served in general practice for 38 years and was the co-founder of Chesterfield Dental Associates in Chesterfield, Missouri. He also serves as a national instructor, assessor, and administrator for United States Soccer Federation. Dr. Silva received his doctor of dental medicine degree from Southern Illinois University of Dental Medicine. His community involvement includes working with Operation Stand Down, Give Kids a Smile, and Focus Marines Foundation.
Katie Schroeder, RDH, BSDH
Community Relations Manager, Enable Dental
Katie Schroeder, RDH, BSDH, joined Enable Dental in 2024 serving in a dual role as a Community Relations Manager and a Project Manager overseeing contracts with the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health and the Department of Health & Senior Services Office of Dental Health. Katie earned her BSDH from UMKC in 2006. She practiced clinical dental hygiene in private practice and public health from 2006-2010, and served as part-time adjunct clinical faculty and as a Kansas Head Start Oral Health Educator during the same period. Katie spent the next 14 years in the nonprofit sector holding a variety of roles with Cass County Dental Clinic, most recently as Director of Dental Programs from 2019-2024. She is a former board member for the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health and the Missouri Dental Hygienists' Association. Katie is passionate about oral health education and improving access to care for underserved populations. When not working, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, daughter, Eliza, and their 2 rescue dogs. She enjoys doing puzzles, taking walks, and practicing yoga.
Dr. Mack Taylor, DDS
Chief Dental Officer, SEMO Health Network
Dr. Mack Taylor has served in the position of Chief Dental Officer since March 2019. He graduated from Mizzou in 2009 with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in Advertising, after which he finished his prerequisites for dental school. He applied to the UMKC School of Dentistry and graduated in 2014 with his DDS degree. He has been an active member of the MDA, serving on the New Dentist Committee in various functions. He is a member of the board of directors for the MDA Wellbeing Foundation and is also both the current President of the Southeast Dental Society as well as its trustee to the MDA board. Dr. Taylor has maintained adjunct faculty status with both UMKC and MOSDOH Dental Schools and has hosted students in his office. He volunteers with Smiles of Hope Dental Ministry as well as with MOMOM. As CDO, Dr. Taylor is directly responsible for the day-to-day operations of SEMO Health Network’s dental clinics, including planning, implementing, and directing all departments within the framework of policies and procedures approved by the Board of Directors. He directly and indirectly supervises all SEMO Health Network dental providers and staff. Other responsibilities include coordinating dental extern rotations, recruiting new providers, contracting with specialist providers, and advising senior management regarding dental issues.
Katherine Leverich, RDH, BS
Dental Clinic Administrator, Rural Parish Clinic of the Archdiocese of St. Louis
Katie Leverich is the Dental Clinic Administrator for the Rural Parish Clinic of the St. Louis Archdiocese. Prior to joining the mission in 2022, she was a clinical dental hygienist in the St. Louis Community. After graduating from Southern Illinois University in 2008, she enjoyed helping patients achieve their oral health goals by providing compassionate care. Throughout her career she had the opportunity to serve as a volunteer in several capacities, with the highlight being her service in Mexico with her peers. She has always held a passion for public health and mission work, hoping to be a part of changing the lives of the underserved. She considers joining the mission of the Rural Parish Clinic a great privilege and has played a major role in the growth of the operation. Working amongst the many volunteers that make the mission possible, and hearing patient stories brings her great joy and motivates her daily in her work.