On the first Friday of February, New York area children can receive free dental care thanks to Give Kids a Smile program, an initiative started in 2002 by St. Louis dentists Dr. Jeff Dalin and Dr. B. Ray. After its launch two decades ago, the event has quickly become an important part of the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Action for Dental Health program, which focuses on addressing the nation’s dental health crisis.
Unfortunately, millions of children go without dental care each year, but Give Kids a Smile is making a difference. To date, the program has provided free dental care and education to 5.5 million underserved children through the time and talent donated by 137,000 dentists and 420,000 volunteers including dental hygienists, dental assistants and others.
Some of those participants include dental students and instructors from St. Paul’s School of Nursing and its sister campuses at All-State Career School and Fortis Colleges and Institutes. Give Kids a Smile events in New York will provide qualified local underserved children with complimentary dental services, including cleanings. Give Kids a Smile activities run from February 4th through the 11th this year. Visit the American Dental Association website or call 1.844.490.GKAS to find out if there’s a GKAS event happening near you.
The event also provides education on good dental hygiene, such as instruction on the proper way to brush your teeth. Volunteers will also share information on oral health to raise awareness on dental disease and what can be done to prevent it. Dental professionals also work to make the event fun. In the past, volunteers have offered dental-related arts and crafts and games, including dental tic-tac-toe.
“By participating in Give Kids A Smile, we are filling a critical need in our communities while giving our students hands-on experience – it’s a win-win,” said David Smith, president of St. Paul’s School of Nursing in Staten Island, N.Y.
Start Your Dental Career
Does helping kids smile brighter sound like a rewarding career to you? Learn more about getting into the field of dentistry by visiting the Dental page on the St. Paul School of Nursing website. Then schedule a tour or get more information by calling (855) 822-3018.