ATSU-MOSDOH’s Dr. Silva honored as Missouri Dental Association Dentist of the Year
Posted: July 24, 2026
Herbert Silva, DMD, FICD, comprehensive care unit director, assistant professor, A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH), has been named the 2025 Missouri Dental Association (MDA) Dentist of the Year.
This prestigious award recognizes a member who has demonstrated outstanding service to the Association, the profession of dentistry, and/or the community in the past year. Dr. Silva was honored at the Association’s annual awards banquet hosted during its House of Delegates meeting on June 27, 2026.
Selected for his exceptional service to the dental profession, Dr. Silva founded the ATSU-MOSDOH Smile for Veterans program, which provides no-cost extractions and dentures to veterans throughout Missouri. Under his leadership, underserved rural and urban veterans, primarily from St. Louis and southeastern Missouri, are receiving much needed care.
Additionally, Dr. Silva oversees procedures performed by ATSU-MOSDOH students, faculty, and graduates at the Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic in Dexter, Missouri. Last year, close to 700 patients were screened and triaged, with treatment plans developed through Dr. Silva.
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 the United States Soccer Federation.