The nationwide 18th annual Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) program is now underway for 2021. According to the ADA, more than 1,500 events across the country will provide free dental care to thousands of underserved children with the help of more than 6,500 dentists and 30,000 dental health team members.
Since its launch in 2003, GKAS has provided dental healthcare to more than 300,000 underserved children.
“Helping 300,000 children in need is something to smile about, especially during this challenging time,” said ADA president Dr. Daniel J. Klemmedson, DDS, MD.
The effort would not be possible without the incredible sponsors who have consistently supported GKAS, the ADA said. With the support of sponsors Colgate-Palmolive, Henry Schein, and Indian Health Services, GKAS is able to provide treatment and education kits for thousands of children who otherwise would not have access to these resources, the ADA said.
The pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented year for GKAS, the ADA said, yet its events continue to safely provide oral healthcare services with the support of planning resources, webinars, toolkits, and donated personal protective equipment. The ADA also said that GKAS’s national success over the past two decades comes from local efforts across the country.
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