Give Kids A Smile

Give Kids A Smile is observed on the first Friday in February. In 2026, it falls on February 6. This initiative serves as the annual launch for a year-round program providing free dental education, screenings, and treatments to underserved children. Thousands of dental professionals across the United States volunteer their time on this day to address the lack of oral healthcare access for millions of families.

History of Give Kids A Smile

The program began in 2002 when Dr. Jeff Dalin and Dr. B. Ray Storm organized a local event in a dental clinic slated for demolition in St. Louis, Missouri. They gathered 15 patient chairs and provided free care to nearly 400 children in a single day. The American Dental Association recognized the impact of this grassroots effort and saw the potential to address the national crisis of untreated dental disease in children. ¹

In 2003, the American Dental Association Foundation officially launched Give Kids A Smile as a nationwide program. Since its inception, the initiative has provided free oral health services to over seven million children. The movement has expanded beyond simple exams to include restorative treatments like fillings and extractions, supported by a vast network of volunteers and corporate sponsors who donate dental supplies and equipment.

Why is Give Kids A Smile important?

Dental decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease, occurring significantly more often than asthma or hay fever. Many children from low-income families face barriers to care, including a lack of insurance or a shortage of local providers. Untreated dental issues cause persistent pain and can lead to difficulties with eating, sleeping, and speaking, which directly impacts a child’s ability to focus and succeed in school.

The program is also essential for establishing “dental homes” for children who have never visited a dentist. By providing a positive first experience, volunteers help reduce the fear and anxiety often associated with dental visits. Early intervention through the application of fluoride varnishes and dental sealants prevents future cavities, saving families from the high costs and physical toll of advanced dental emergencies later in life.

• Untreated cavities can lead to severe infections that affect overall physical health.
• Children with dental pain are more likely to miss school and perform poorly on tests.
• The program provides specialized care for children who do not have regular dental insurance.
• Early screenings identify developmental issues that require orthodontic or specialized attention.
• Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing cannot reach.

How to Observe Give Kids A Smile

Families can participate by locating a local Give Kids A Smile event through the American Dental Association or local health departments. Many university dental schools and community clinics host large-scale events on this day, offering everything from basic cleanings to educational games. Parents should bring any relevant health information for their children and be prepared to learn about proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to different age groups.

Dental professionals and community members can observe the day by volunteering their skills or resources. Dentists and hygienists often open their private practices to provide pro bono services, while others donate toothbrushes, paste, and floss to local schools. Even without a medical background, individuals can support the cause by spreading awareness about the importance of childhood oral hygiene or by making a donation to help fund the supplies used during the events.

• Check the official state summary reports to find a free clinic or event nearby.
• Schedule a routine dental check-up for your child to ensure their teeth stay healthy.
• Donate dental supplies like soft-bristled brushes and fluoride toothpaste to a local shelter.
• Use the day to teach children the proper way to brush for two full minutes.
• Volunteer at a community health fair to help coordinate patient registrations.

Give Kids A Smile Dates Table

1. https://www.adafoundation.org/give-kids-a-smile/about-give-kids-a-smile[↩]