The Give Kids A Smile® (GKAS) program extends a compassionate hand to underserved children, offering them free oral health care. The program was launched nationally by the American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation in 2003. In Utah, dedicated volunteers unite to provide oral health education, screenings, and preventive and restorative services. Throughout the month of February, dental and dental hygiene schools across Utah hosted events, fostering engagement and awareness in oral health education along with delivering oral health care treatments.
Roseman University College of Dental Medicine hosted an event that made a significant impact. Faculty, students, and staff provided dental exams and cleanings to a record 827 children, and they provided vouchers for further treatment to those in need. The cost of the dental work provided at the event and through the vouchers distributed totaled over $744,000.
“Give Kids a Smile 2024 at Roseman College of Dental Medicine exceeded all expectations! Our goal was to provide children in the community with meaningful oral health care on the day of the event and to establish a dental home for long-term, comprehensive care. We were thrilled to serve 827 children and their families, which was a record-breaking number for us! We hope the continued success of this annual event makes a difference in the oral health of vulnerable children in our community here in Utah.”
Ryan Moffat, DDS, Director of Public Health Sciences, Roseman University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine
At an event co-sponsored by the North and South Salt Lake Districts of the Utah Dental Association, 80 dentists, 20 dental hygienists, and hundreds of community volunteers converged to provide care to around 400 children. The event was hosted by the University of Utah School of Dentistry in collaboration with the Utah Valley University Dental Hygiene Program. Students from these programs were able to assist the volunteer doctors delivering care. Vouchers were given to children whose dental treatment was unable to be completed that day.
Fortis College Dental Hygiene program hosted an event where they provided comprehensive care for 105 children. Services included x-rays, cleanings, fluoride varnish, and sealants. 80 children also received an examination by a dentist.
Weber State Dental Hygiene school extended their outreach by delivering cleanings, sealants, and exams to 150 kids from three local elementary schools. Any required dental work was skillfully carried out by the dedicated team at Midtown Community Health Center.
Utah Tech University Dental Hygiene program and Special Olympics joined forces to offer dental screenings to 42 children and 14 Special Olympics athletes.
Utah College of Dental Hygiene worked with Community Health Connect to provide comprehensive dental care for 80 children at their event. Each child received a preventive dental cleaning. Other services included x-rays, cleanings, fluoride varnish, sealants, fillings, and extractions.
Collectively, these events made a significant impact by offering preventive oral health services to over 1,500 children during the month of February. They played a crucial role in extending dental care to underserved areas, ensuring the well-being of young individuals across Utah. We eagerly await the continued impact of these events in the future. If you’re interested in attending or volunteering in the future, connect with a dental or dental hygiene school or professional organization in your area for more information and opportunities to contribute.