The ADA Foundation has a new toll-free number for Give Kids A Smile (GKAS): 844-490-GKAS (4527). Callers can find out whether there is a GKAS program in their area, including parents and caregivers seeking oral health services for their children and dental team members and others interested in volunteering at a GKAS event.
Through GKAS, children who may not have access to oral health services can receive free oral health education, screenings, preventive care, and/or dental treatment from volunteer dentists and dental team members.
Callers will speak to staff in the American Dental Association’s Member Service Center (Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST) who will provide them with contact information for a GKAS event in their community (if available). Callers can then contact the GKAS program directly to determine availability, what services are offered, and the program date. Although many GKAS events take place in early February, numerous others occur throughout the year.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Give Kids A Smile. During GKAS’ first 14 years, more than 5.5 million children have received free oral health services from 500,000 volunteers, including 137,000 dentists and 420,000 other volunteers.
