February
Give Kids a Smile
The first Friday of February marks a special occasion when we shift our focus to smiles through the Give Kids A Smile program. This initiative, established by the American Dental Association (ADA), provides a golden opportunity for children who typically lack the means to visit a dentist to receive complimentary dental care. Across the nation, dedicated dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, and many volunteers come together to ensure that these children receive the dental attention they so rightfully deserve.
A Brief History of Give Kids A Smile
Launched in 2003 by the ADA, the Give Kids A Smile program was designed to unite dentists with their communities, offering essential dental services such as education, screenings, and treatments to children from families unable to afford dental care. What began as a single-day event in February has blossomed into a nationwide annual celebration. Alarmingly, nearly one in four children under five years old are already experiencing cavities, and around 10 million kids under 18 do not receive any dental care. The Give Kids A Smile initiative is a crucial aspect of the ADA’s commitment to improving dental health across America, aiming to eliminate dental health issues by reaching out to those in greatest need.
Key Milestones in the Give Kids A Smile Journey
- 2018: A Need for Dental Service – Over 181 million Americans did not see a dentist, as reported by the ADA.
- 2017: 15 Years of Collaboration – The program expanded to include 30,000 dental team members and 8,000 participating dentists.
- 2003: National Rise – Give Kids A Smile became a national program, thanks to partnerships with the ADA, Henry Schein, Procter & Gamble, and DEXIS.
- 2002: The Beginning of It All – Drs. Jeff Dalin and B. Ray Storm organized the inaugural Give Kids a Smile event in St. Louis, Missouri.
Who Contributes to Give Kids A Smile?Each year, approximately 10,000 dentists, 30,000 dental team members, 350,000 children, and numerous community volunteers unite under the Give Kids A Smile banner to make this initiative successful.
What is the Current Impact of Give Kids A Smile?Today, the program serves as the ADA Foundation’s primary access point for low-income children to obtain oral healthcare through various events held throughout the year. During these events, children benefit from treatments, screenings, and essential oral health education.
Finding Give Kids A Smile Events in Your AreaTo locate GKAS events near you, reach out to your local or state dental society or contact the ADA via email at gkas@ada.org.
How to Participate in Give Kids A Smile
- Become a Volunteer: Check for volunteer opportunities in your community by visiting https://findnomore.net or calling the hotline. With countless dental teams eager to welcome volunteers, your involvement could significantly impact a child’s life.
- Share on Social Media: Post GKAS photos, stories, and messages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the designated hashtag to spread the word.
- Promote Awareness: Celebrate Give Kids A Smile by printing and sharing the program’s logo with friends and family, helping to raise awareness for this important initiative. Logos can be found on the GKAS Facebook page.
Five Notable Facts About Give Kids A Smile
- A Major Success: Since its national debut in 2003, more than 5.5 million children have benefited from free oral health services through this program.
- February’s Celebratory Month: The first Friday of February kicks off Give Kids A Smile, coinciding with the ADA’s National Children’s Dental Health Month.
- Globally Recognized: Give Kids A Smile is one of the largest charitable oral health programs worldwide.
- First Event’s Humble Beginnings: The inaugural GKAS event took place in a dilapidated clinic with only 15 chairs for nearly 400 children.
- The Importance of Oral Health: According to the CDC, cavities are the most common infectious disease among children in the U.S., impacting over 40% of infants and preschoolers by kindergarten, especially those from lower-income families.
Why We Cherish Give Kids A Smile
- Oral Health Matters: Every child deserves access to dental care. Imagine being a child unable to brush your teeth daily or suffering from a persistent toothache without any help. It’s crucial that every child has the chance to receive the dental care they need.
- It Takes a Village: The success of Give Kids A Smile relies on the countless dentists, their teams, and volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to this cause.
- Kids Deserve Care: Dental care remains the most unmet health need among children in America. No child should have to endure pain due to their family’s inability to afford dental services; providing access to these services is vital.
Upcoming Give Kids A Smile Dates
- 2021: February 5 (Friday)
- 2022: February 4 (Friday)
- 2023: February 3 (Friday)
- 2024: February 2 (Friday)
- 2025: February 7 (Friday)
What is the date of Give Kids a Smile every year?
