The American Dental Association (ADA) celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) programme which has provided oral health care education and services to “more than seven million” underserved children in the US, according to ADA.
In 2022, nearly 1,000 GKAS events are scheduled to take place throughout the US, and it is estimated that 300,000 underserved children will receive oral health education and preventive and restorative services, such as cleanings and fillings. These services will be provided by more than 20,000 dental team volunteers, including approximately 5,000 dentists, using supplies from 3,200 kits of essential oral health care products donated by Henry Schein, Colgate-Palmolive, and its supplier partners.
Henry Schein has served as the professional product sponsor since the programme’s inception. Their support has included donations from its supplier partners, which have contributed to the US$20 million in oral health care products made available to the programme, and hours preparing and sending more than 40,000 dental kits.
Colgate-Palmolive has served as the sponsor of health and hygiene consumer products since 2007. Their support of GKAS has helped build proper oral care habits, and reflects the company’s mission to reimagine a healthier future for all. In addition to supporting GKAS, Colgate-Palmolive promotes health equity and optimal health and wellbeing among underserved children and their families through its Bright Smiles, Bright Futures initiative.
“What began as a grassroots effort has become a national movement to ensure access to quality health care for all children,” said Cesar R. Sabates, president of the ADA. “The success of GKAS would not be possible without the nearly 37,000 dental professionals who volunteer at local events each year, in addition to national sponsors, Henry Schein and Colgate, and long-time supporters like the ADA Foundation. My sincere appreciation and thanks to all of you who have been a part of the programme, some from the very first day. We are all involved for the right reason – to Give Kids A Smile and help children in need.”
Supplier partners that are supporting the 2022 Give Kids A Smile program through product donations also include 3M, Centrix, DASH Medical, Dentsply Sirona, DMG America, Dukal Corporation, Medicom, PacDent, Premier, Richmond, Sempermed USA, Sunstar, TIDI Products, and WaterPik.
 celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) programme which has provided oral health care education and services to “more than seven million” underserved children in the US, according to ADA.){kind=link}