The 2024 Give Kids a Smile Program Kicked Off February 1

The American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile^® (GKAS) program, one of the biggest events focused on children’s oral health, kicked off at Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, DC, on February 1. More than 20 years ago, the ADA started GKAS 22 with the goal of offering free dental care to underserved children. At the same time, it aimed to draw attention to the challenges many families face in accessing dental services and advocate for solutions to these barriers. Held annually on the first Friday in February, the national kick-off event also marks the beginning of National Children’s Dental Health Month. Since 2003, thousands of GKAS volunteers have provided free oral health education and services to more than 7 million underserved children throughout the United States. Throughout 2024, GKAS events will take place at schools, universities, health centers, and private dental practices. In addition to providing care, the goal of Give Kids A Smile has become continuity of care – finding dental homes for these families. Click here to read more.