Give Kids A Smile®

Helping Children Through Give Kids A Smile 

The American Dental Association began the Give Kids A Smile program in 2003 as a way for ADA members to join with others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children. The program initially began as a one-day event in February, but has since grown to local and national events year-round.

Dentists and other team members volunteer their time, and services, to provide screenings, treatments and education to children throughout the United States. Corporate sponsors also provide expertise and materials to make the program possible. Each year, approximately 450,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 events, all because of the efforts of 40,000 or more annual volunteers.

The ADA's Give Kids A Smile® program enhances the oral health of large numbers of needy children. Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) activities also highlight for policy makers the ongoing challenges that disadvantaged families face in finding dental care.