The first Friday of February is when we turn those frowns upside down and begin the Give Kids A Smile program. The initiative, created by the American Dentist Association (ADA), is an opportunity for kids who can’t normally afford to see a dentist to get some free dental care. Dentists, as well as dental hygienists, assistants, and other volunteers, use their time and talents to ensure that children are given the dental care they need and deserve all across the country.
History of Give Kids A Smile
The Give Kids A Smile program was created by the American Dentist Association in 2003. It was a way for dentists to come together with their communities to provide dental services such as oral health, education, screenings, preventive health, and treatment to children in families in the U.S. who cannot afford it.
The event initially started out as a one-day event in February but has since grown into a national event annually. Almost one in four children under five already have cavities and 10 million children under the age of 18 receive no dental care. Give Kids A Smile remains an important part of the ADA’s Action for Dental Health. Their mission is to end any dental health problems in America by providing care to everyone, especially those who need it the most.