The ADA News (2/7) reported that the Indiana University School of Dentistry hosted the Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) national kickoff event on Friday, Feb. 7, during which “an estimated 150 volunteers provided dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, fluoride, sealants, X-rays and oral health education to about 250 underserved children living in the area.” ADA President Chad P. Gehani said, “Give Kids A Smile demonstrates the positive impact our profession can have when we come together.” Dr. Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch, dean of the IU School of Dentistry, said, “Give Kids A Smile is one of the many ways the dental school helps underserved families receive the oral health care they need and engages with our community here in Indianapolis to reduce barriers to accessing this care.” Sponsors Henry Schein Inc. and Colgate-Palmolive support the GKAS program and helped make the national kickoff event possible.
GKAS is the anchor event of the ADA’s National Children’s Dental Health Month. In January, the ADA sent an email to every member of Congress letting them know about the month and encouraging them to seek out GKAS events in their states.
For more information about how GKAS programs are organized across the country, visit ADA.org, and to learn about programs taking place in your area, email gkas@ada.org or contact your
state or local dental association.