Give Kids A Smile kicks off today

Bring on year 23 of Give Kids A Smile!

The ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program kicks off today, Feb. 7.  This year, the national kickoff event takes place at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee. 

The event will include free pediatric dental services such as dental exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, sealants and fun activities for kids. 

“What started 23 years ago, as a grassroots effort in St. Louis has grown into a nationwide movement to ensure that every child has access to quality oral health care,” said Michele Tulak-Gorecki, D.D.S., ADA Foundation chair. “I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to this program, dentists, dental students, dental team members, as we all share a common purpose: to Give Kids A Smile and help children in need.”

Launched nationally in 2003, the Give Kids A Smile program provides underserved children with free oral health care. Approximately 4,500 dentists and 20,000 dental team members volunteer at local events each year to provide free oral health education, screenings, preventive and restorative treatment to children. 

In 2025, nearly 1,200 Give Kids A Smile events are scheduled to take place across the country, and approximately 330,000 underserved children will receive free oral healthcare services. 

The program is sponsored by Henry Schein, Inc., and Colgate-Palmolive Company, which have provided millions of dollars’ worth in funding, products and services since 2003 and 2007, respectively.  

For more information or to contribute to the cause, visit ADAFoundation.org/GKAS.