The ADA Foundation initiative has served over 10 million children and begins its 24th year with support from Henry Schein and Colgate-Palmolive.
The American Dental Association Foundation (ADAF) has started its 2026 Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program with a kickoff event at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. The program, now in its 24th year, provides oral healthcare access for underserved children and has served more than 10.2 million children since 2003. GKAS events begin nationally in February, which is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and continue year-round.
National Program and Kickoff Event
The 2026 national kickoff was held in Houston, marking the program’s evolution from a local movement in St Louis, Mo, to a national initiative supported by thousands of volunteer dental professionals.
“Give Kids A Smile is more than a one-day event; it is a springboard for lifelong oral health. Every child we serve leaves not only with a healthier smile but with a clear pathway to continued care,” says Raha K Naderi, RDH, MEd, director of community outreach at the School of Dentistry, in a release.
The program aims to address the need for pediatric dental care, which is a leading cause of school absenteeism.
“Give Kids A Smile is a national public-private collaboration that ensures access to quality oral health care services for all children,” says Rita Cammarata, DDS, chair of the ADA Foundation, in a release. “We sincerely thank all of the volunteers and sponsors that support this initiative, which will help improve the lives of children for years to come.”
Corporate Sponsorship and Contributions
The program is supported by long-standing corporate partnerships that provide necessary products and resources.
Henry Schein has been the exclusive professional product sponsor since the program began, contributing over $20 million in products with its supplier partners. For 2026, the company has prepared more than 2,600 dental kits for volunteers. “Together, we will continue to champion a critical mission: expanding access to vital oral health care for all,” says Steven Kizy, vice president and general manager of Henry Schein’s US Dental Group, in a release.
Colgate-Palmolive has been the exclusive sponsor of health and hygiene products since 2007, providing resources to help build proper oral hygiene habits. “Colgate is proud to support Give Kids A Smile, as we work towards engaging more children and their families with critical oral health education and free dental screenings,” says Dawna Michelle Fields, senior director, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures, in a release.
Additional support for the 2026 program is provided by supplier partners including Ansell, Centrix, DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc, Dukal, Haleon, Perrigo, Solventum, and Sunstar Group.
Photo: Henry Schein
