About the Program
Give Kids A Smile® is an annual volunteer program that provides free educational, preventive or restorative services to children. The program took place in February 2023 at participating locations.
The program was created in 2002 by Dr. Jeffery Dalin, an Indiana University School of Dentistry graduate, and was recognized in 2003 by the American Dental Association as a nationwide program. For the 20th anniversary of Give Kids A Smile®, the Indiana Department of Health partnered with participating providers willing to provide free oral health care services to Hoosier children.
View February 2023 participating locations below:
Did you know?
- Good oral health is important for overall health and well-being, yet 1 in 5 Hoosier children suffer from untreated tooth decay.
- Half of Hoosiers live in an area with a dental health provider shortage.
- Over 4 in 10 children have tooth decay by the time they enter kindergarten.
- Children with cavities in their primary/baby teeth are 3 times more likely to develop cavities in their permanent/adult teeth.
Give your kid a smile:
Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases for kids ages 6 to 19.
Protect your child’s teeth by having them:
- Brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Drink tap water that contains fluoride.
- Start healthy habits now.
Resources
- Information for Clinicians, Schools and Community Organizations
Thank you for helping us celebrate the 20th anniversary of Give Kids A Smile® by volunteering to provide free dental screenings, preventive and restorative services or education to Hoosier children during February 2023. This event helped raise awareness of oral health and identified children who required immediate dental treatments and helped provide them with a dental home.
Participating clinicians volunteered their services to children in need or from low-income families. Schools helped promote oral health by providing education to teach students about good dental hygiene and more.
Resources
- Presentation slides from the Nov. 9. kick-off meeting
- Mouth Healthy - Activity Sheets and Lesson Plans
- ADA - Tips for Healthy Teeth
For Schools
