(From left to right) Dr. Gary Roberts (GKAS Advisory Committee Member); Gene Wurth, Executive Director, ADA Foundation; Cindy Hearn, SVP Branding and Communications Dr. Jeff B. Dalin (Co-Founder, GKAS Program). Photo © 2013 American Dental Association, courtesy ADA News.For the seventh consecutive year, CareCreditSM has donated $100,000 to the ADA Foundation Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) Fund®. This year, half of the total grant amount is designated to support the Ad Council’s 2min2X oral care campaign through funding of four major events.
The events include one dental school screening for underserved children; two elementary school education events for underserved children (in California and Missouri); and a Missions of Mercy/Give Kids a Smile children’s oral health education and treatment event at the 2013 ADA Annual Session.
Each event will incorporate and support the Ad Council’s 2min2X campaign, educating and encouraging children to spend 2 minutes brushing their teeth, twice a day, and providing free oral care education and toothbrush kits.
The first oral education event was held March 21, 2013, at Troth Elementary School in Jurupa Valley, Calif, with nearly 950 students in attendance. Many of the children commented that this was the first time they had their own toothbrush to use at home.
The fourth event, Missions of Mercy/Give Kids A Smile, will receive half of the designated $50,000 and is a 1-day event to be held in conjunction with the ADA Annual Session in New Orleans on November 3, 2013. During the Session, dentists and dental team members will volunteer their services to provide 200 underserved children with education, screening, sealants, fluoride and any treatment, if needed.
