Give Kids A Smile

Your GKAS event will provide dental care to underserved, vulnerable children in Ohio.

Planning a 2024 GKAS event

Dentists, their staff members and others planning to hold Give Kids A Smile events any time in 2024 should register those activities. Events registered between October 1 and November 15, 2023 will qualify to receive free products to support their events such as toothbrush and toothpaste giveaways and dental supplies to perform screenings, cleanings, fluoride application and sealants.

Click here to register your 2024 GKAS events.

Registration is open

Host a 2024 GKAS event!

Events registered by November 15, 2023 may qualify for free products to support the event, and we encourage you to continue to register any events planned after that date so that we have the most current information.

If you have previously signed up a GKAS event, you can utilize the same username and password to access your account. If not, you will be able to set up a username and password during the login process. To begin your 2024 registration, click here.

If you need help registering your event or have any questions, please email mollie@oda.org.

REGISTER

What counts as a GKAS event?

Any program that screens or treats children for free or provides free oral health education can qualify as a Give Kids A Smile event. Many dentists already provide such care in their offices or educational presentations in schools and just need to register with the ADA to be considered a Give Kids A Smile initiative. Learn more directly on the ADA website. Give Kids A Smile events can take place at any time throughout the year.

Events can include:

  • Dentists or team members visiting a school to teach kids about oral health.
  • A hygienist in your office performing some toothbrush prophies.
  • A dental screening event at a local community event.
  • Partnering with a HeadStart program or school in your area to provide screenings for students.
  • Providing comprehensive dental care for a few children in your private office.
  • Large-scale access to care event organized by a component dental society or local clinic.

When you plan a GKAS event, you decide:

  • The scope of the event: education only, dental screenings, preventive care, etc.
  • How many kids you want to see.
  • The date that works for you.
  • Your venue: your office/clinic, a dental assisting or hygiene school, local school, etc.
  • Your partners: the local school, Head Start, Boys and Girls Club, etc.

For additional information on GKAS or for help registering and planning a GKAS event, contact the ODA Department of Public Service by calling (614) 486-2700 or email mollie@oda.org.

Benefits of Hosting a GKAS Event

Your entire team is rewarded when you host an event!

  • We provide support to help you plan and promote your event. You can use as much or as little of our support as you would like.
  • You’ll receive free products from the ADA if you register your event by November 15.
  • Dentists and hygienists who provide care can qualify for one CE credit for every one hour of volunteer care provided, up to 1/3 of the total hours required per biennium.
  • Your activities will be counted in state totals used in ODA advocacy efforts.

Promote your GKAS event!

Hosting your GKAS event is the first step. Get your patients and community involved by promoting your efforts!

  • Post your event photos on social media and tag the ODA.
  • Add a page to your website with photos and videos of your event.
  • Contact your local newspaper and ask a reporter to attend.
  • Email your patients to tell them about how you are helping your community.
  • Tell your dental peers and encourage them to host a GKAS event of their own. Download the GKAS flyer to help spread the word.

 

Event Resources

Host a 2024 GKAS event!

GKAS registration is open!