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Seven years ago the HDA launched the Give Kids a Smile program to raise public awareness for the four to five million children, within the United States, suffering with oral problems affecting their eating, sleeping and learning.

Now GKAS doesn't need to be just a once a year event.

History

In February 2002, the Greater St. Louis Dental Society set up a temporary full-service clinic that provided free treatment for nearly 400 disadvantaged children. By 2009 nearly 1,000,000 children were provided restorative treatment and dental education. Volunteer numbers continue to be impressive with more than 45,000 dental team members including 12,000 dentists. Nationwide, 1,700 programs provide more than $30 million in dental services and GKAS serves to raise public awareness of what the former Surgeon General called the "Silent Epidemic of Dental Disease."

Goal

GKAS strives to eliminate the caries of children five-years in age within the Unites States by 2020.The business community has been instrumental in the success of the program providing dental professionals with the dental materials and supplies they need to educate and treat children. Major corporate sponsors including Colgate, have donated millions of dollars.

The crisis is staggering

• Approximately 1/3 of all children in America lack dental insurance
• Uninsured children are 2.5 times less likely to receive dental care than insured children
• 80% of tooth decay is suffered by 25% of the children
• 51 million school hours are lost each year to untreated cavities
• Economic disadvantage is the single best predictor of tooth decay in children

Oral disease often starts with a toothache before evolving into a broad range of medical conditions, disease and even psychological problems. Without oral health care, untreated dental conditions typically get worse and ultimately cost much more to treat than to prevent. That is why it is critical for children to visit the dentist regularly.

GKAS collaborates with organizations that provide oral health services including:

• Community health centers
• Volunteer clinics
• Private programs
• Public/private partnerships

Most state budgets devote 2% or less to dental services. Two annual events are important to achieving the GKAS mission:

1. GKAS Awards Gala Hosted by the ADA foundation brings in funding and draws attention to the oral health issue
2. Promising Practices Symposium-Leaders of local GKAS give presentations to improve their own program

No Child in America should have to depend on charity for basic dental care. Now is the time for policymakers, parents, rising leaders and dental practitioners to help.

To participate in any GKAS event simply contact any SHDA board member or your class representative.