Summary: The ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile program has launched its 23rd year, aiming to provide free oral health care to over 325,000 underserved children in 2025 through nationwide volunteer-driven events.

Key Takeaways:

  • Since its inception in 2003, the program has provided free oral health education and services to more than 9.5 million children across the United States.
  • National sponsors, including Henry Schein and Colgate-Palmolive, continue to support the initiative by donating oral health care products and resources to expand access to dental care.

The American Dental Association Foundation (ADA Foundation) kicked off the 23rd year of its Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program on February 7 at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville. Since its national launch in 2003, GKAS volunteers have provided free oral health education and services to more than 9.5 million underserved children in the United States.

In 2025, nearly 1,100 GKAS events are scheduled to take place throughout the nation, and it is estimated that approximately 325,500 underserved children will receive free oral health education, screenings, and preventive and restorative services, such as cleanings and fillings. These services will be provided by approximately 25,000 dentists and dental team members who volunteer at local GKAS events, using oral health care products donated by national sponsors, Henry Schein Inc and Colgate-Palmolive Company, as well as Henry Schein’s supplier partners.

“The Meharry Medical College team is greatly pleased to be the launch site of this year’s Give Kids A Smile national program,” said James E.K. Hildreth, PhD, MD, president of Meharry. “We recognize that oral health is central to physical health and part of individual well-being. Our pediatric dental team—as well as the entire Meharry School of Dentistry—embraces Give Kids A Smile as a representation of our mission of what we call ‘health caring.’ That mission has been central to our college since we were founded as a medical school nearly 150 years ago, and since 1886, when dentistry became part of our educational enterprise.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 50 percent of children aged 6 to 9 years have had cavities in their primary (baby) or permanent teeth. Children aged 6 to 9 from lower-income households are more than twice as likely to have untreated cavities than children from higher-income households.

“What started, 23 years ago, as a grassroots effort in St Louis has grown into a nationwide movement to ensure that every child has access to quality oral health care,” said Dr Michele M. Tulak-Gorecki, chair of the ADA Foundation. “The success of GKAS is a testament to the dedication of approximately 4,500 dentists and 20,000 dental team members who volunteer annually, as well as the unwavering support of our national sponsors, Henry Schein and Colgate. Throughout its history, GKAS has brought care to more than 9.5 million children. I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to this program, dentists, dental students, and dental team members, as we all share a common purpose: to Give Kids A Smile and help children in need.”

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Since the program’s inception, Henry Schein has contributed more than $20 million in oral health care products in partnership with its supplier partners, according to a press release from Henry Schein. Team Schein also donates thousands of volunteer hours each year preparing and sending more than 40,000 dental kits to ensure volunteers have the supplies needed to deliver much-needed oral care.

“At the heart of Henry Schein lies a deep commitment to helping expand access to health care,” said Dave Steck, president of Henry Schein’s U.S. Dental Group. “GKAS exemplifies this dedication, and we are honored to join the American Dental Association and American Dental Association Foundation as an exclusive national partner. Together, we will continue championing a critical mission: enhancing access to vital oral health care for all. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in this program for their tireless efforts in creating a healthier future for our communities.”

Photo: Business Wire