Ramping up its commitment to improve oral health for children in underserved U.S. communities, last year the ADA Foundation joined with the ADA to expand Give Kids A Smile (GKAS), a nationwide volunteer initiative to provide dental care at no charge for children who lack access. The Foundation and its GKAS National Advisory Board have been raising funds to expand and strengthen programs that succeed in delivering restorative dental care that makes a difference in children’s lives. Grants will be made to programs nominated by state and local dental societies, and the ADA Foundation will administer the grants.

“I have to tell you of the changes I have seen in one of our students... she had been disruptive in class... absent from school, often involved in angry outbursts... and more and more disheveled... She had quite a bit of work done at the [GKAS] clinic, including having a tooth pulled. Since then, she’s come to school with clean clothes, her hair combed, and a much nicer disposition. I think she had been in constant pain with her tooth and is finally feeling better!”

S. G., Middle School Guidance Counselor, St. Louis, Missouri