Advocating for Oral Health Policy - Working with Legislators
Friday, February 20, 2026 @ 11:00 AM
Presented by: Ashley Herrman, MPH, CHES & Jessica Emmerich
Course Description: This webinar will equip you with essential advocacy information and prepare you for discussions with legislators about the Coalition's legislative priorities. Legislative visits are an effective way to demonstrate to lawmakers that oral health is a priority for Missourians. Missouri legislators want to hear from you! If you have never participated in legislative visits before, don't worry; we will answer your questions and provide guidance during the webinar.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will understand what oral health advocacy is and its importance
- Participants will understand preparation for advocating
- Participants will understand the basics of talking with elected officials
Ashley Herrman, MPH, CHES
Community Outreach & Project Development Director
Missouri Coalition for Oral Health
Ashley Herrman, MPH, CHES, 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 Masters of Public Health from the University of Missouri Columbia and a Bachelor's 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.
Jessica Emmerich
Executive Director
Missouri Coalition for Oral Health
Jessica Emmerich was appointed Executive Director in 2025. In 2022, Jessica was named the first Dental Medicaid Facilitator at MCOH. In this role, Ms. Emmerich collaborated with MO HealthNet and the Missouri Dental Association to support dental providers and encourage greater participation by providers in MO HealthNet programs. Her career includes service with the State of Missouri in both the Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division and Children’s Division, where she played an integral role in assisting dental providers and MO HealthNet participants throughout implementation of the Statewide Managed Care Roll Out. Ms. Emmerich brings substantial expertise in collaborating with MO HealthNet providers within both fee-for-service and managed care frameworks. She also offers dedicated support to dental practices statewide and actively works to improve access to care by addressing existing barriers. Jessica previously held the position of Operations Manager at the Coalition for several years prior to her advancement to her current role.