Record-setting Give Kids A Smile events have resulted in vital access to oral health care for thousands of children in underserved communities across the state this February. Together with the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA), dental societies across the state host these free events annually as part of Children’s Dental Health Month.

Give Kids A Smile events provide oral hygiene and nutrition education to children. The events also feature onsite clinical exams with screenings, preventive and restorative treatments, with additional services available for children who display acute dental issues.

Record attendance at Give Kids A Smile events across the state included the following:

Nassau County Dental Society: 300-plus volunteers provided care to more than 1,500 students, ranging from kindergarten to second grade from 15 participating schools.

New York County Dental Society: More than 200 volunteers served over 1,000 students from 10 participating schools in East Harlem.

Western New York – Eighth District Dental Society: Together with the University at Buffalo, NYSDA’s Eighth District Dental Society in Western New York supported an event for 70 students at the Tuscarora Indian Reservation Elementary School.

“Give Kids A Smile events are important not only because of their wide-ranging impact, but because of the care and habits our members impart on the children who need it the most in underserved communities across our state,” said Prabha Krishnan, DDS, NYSDA President. “These events are critical to closing the gap in access to care and securing dental homes for children and their families. Teaching good oral health habits early and educating on the importance of preventative and routine care are essential to overall health.”

NYSDA looks forward to supporting the upcoming Give Kids A Smile events, hosted by the Suffolk County Dental Society and Ninth District Dental Association, on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley region of New York:

• Monday, March 31 at B’Above - Brewster Head Start in Brewster, NY
• Monday, April 28 at Virginia Road Elementary School in White Plains, NY

• Saturday, April 26 at Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center