Discover how MOSDOH at A.T. Still University, in partnership with Affinia Healthcare, is transforming dental care from a luxury to a vital component of whole-body health, led by Dr. Shaista Rashid.
Oral Health Is Health
“Your mouth is the entry point to your entire body,” Dr. Rashid explained. “You can detect diabetes, heart disease even cancer by examining the gums. To separate oral health from overall health is not just inaccurate—it’s harmful.”
This truth drives the integrated model at MOSDOH’s St. Louis clinic, where dental students, physicians and behavioral health professionals work together to treat the whole patient—not just a set of symptoms.
This is the only dental school in the U.S. working in full collaboration with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Patients arrive through Affinia Healthcare and are already part of a coordinated system—receiving ophthalmology, medical and now comprehensive dental care under one umbrella.
“Our patients benefit from continuity,” Dr. Rashid said. “We can see their health records, understand their medications, and intervene early—not just in their teeth, but in their total wellness.”
The clinic offers urgent dental care during evenings and weekends—an option that keeps countless patients out of overcrowded emergency rooms. Those without a regular dentist can walk in, receive care for acute pain and access follow-up resources, education and a treatment plan.
“We don’t just prescribe antibiotics and send them away,” Dr. Rashid noted. “We treat the issue and help them see how oral health connects to everything else.”
Serving Veterans with Compassion
Veterans represent one of the most underserved populations in dental care—only 5% receive dental benefits through the VA. Through generous donations and the Smile Forward Fund, over 1,400 veterans have received free full or partial dentures.
“Restoring a veteran’s smile restores their confidence, their ability to eat and speak and sometimes even their willingness to rejoin society,” said Dr. Rashid. “That’s real healing.”
The St. Louis Dental Center’s commitment to veterans is both heartfelt and action-oriented. On Friday, July 19, the Center will host a first-come, first-served Veterans Clinic, offering free comprehensive dental screenings and exams for veterans—no insurance required.
This special event is made possible through the support of A.T. Still University–Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH), Affinia Healthcare, and generous donors dedicated to expanding access to care for those who served.
Veterans must bring a photo ID and their veteran certification form (DD-214) or VA card to participate. The Affinia Healthcare Health Outreach Team will also be on-site to assist eligible uninsured adults with Medicaid enrollment.
Veterans Clinic: Friday, July 19
To preregister or learn more, call 314.685.3553
Support the program: atsu.edu/support-mosdoh-vets
This is more than an appointment—it’s a tangible expression of gratitude, care, and community for the veterans of our region.
Beyond care, this model is a training ground for third- and fourth-year dental students, who not only develop technical skills but a deep awareness of community needs. Many return to Missouri’s rural or underserved areas after graduation to fill the state’s persistent care gap—only 57.5 dentists per 100,000 residents.
No one is turned away and affordability is key. In addition to accepting all forms of insurance, the clinic offers a sliding scale fee, urgent care access, and assistance through the Smile Forward Fund.
For patients who fall into the financial gray area—earning too much to qualify for aid, but not enough for private care—there are 50% subsidy programs, veterans’ screening days, and child-focused grants to help bridge the gap.
At the core of this work is education—equipping patients to understand that a cavity is not just a hole in a tooth, but a signal from the body.
“Just like with diabetes, if we treat one symptom but ignore the system, we fail. Our goal is to educate and empower people to take ownership of their health, starting with the mouth.”
In a world where health systems often feel fractured, the partnership between A.T. Still University and Affinia Healthcare offers a compelling model of what’s possible when care is comprehensive, collaborative, and human-centered. Here in St. Louis, lives are being changed—not just through restored smiles, but through restored dignity, connection, and trust. This isn’t just dental care. It’s healthcare with intention.
Want to Help or Get Involved?
- To support this work, make a donation to the Smile Forward Fund:
https://www.atsu.edu/missouri-school-of-dentistry-and-oral-health/alumni/support-mosdoh - To make an appointment or learn more about services, visit:
http://www.stldentalcenter.org/ or 314.685.3553
Because everyone deserves to smile—with confidence, with comfort and without barriers.
oral health, whole-body health, dental care access, community health clinics, MOSDOH, A.T. Still University, Affinia Healthcare, healthcare innovation, preventative dentistry, health equity, Dr. Shaista Rashid
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