Give Kids A Smile

The Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program is a community program and national screening day aimed to increase access to dental care to the underserved, low-income children. This program is endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation and is coordinated locally by the GKAS Board of Advisors. It is one of the many community services programs of Bethany for Children & Families. The screening day usually takes place on the first Friday in February, but some dentists pick a different day to participate based upon their office schedule.

GKAS services are available to children ages three to 15 who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, who have never been to a dentist, who do not have dental insurance, or have Medicaid but cannot find a provider who accepts that type of insurance. Give Kids A Smile takes place in the offices of the volunteer dentists. Eighty to 90 dentists, plus their own staff, volunteer for this annual program.

Children who qualify for this program receive the following dental services free of charge:
• education to help improve oral health
• cleaning
• exam
• x-rays
• fluoride treatment

Most, but not all dentists also provide follow-up care. This is based on the availability of
volunteer dentists.

These services may include:
• amalgam and composite fillings
• sealants
• extractions
• root canals
• orthodontia

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the dental office with their children. If a child is referred to a specialist for dental work the general dentist cannot complete, the parent must accompany the child to his/her appointments. In general, outside volunteers, school personnel, nurses, and different agency workers accompany the children to their dental visit. School buses and private shuttle vans are used to transport the children to the dentist on the screening day. If needed, these vehicles will also take the children back to the dentist for their restorative work, but this is offered on a case-by-case basis.

View photos from the 2010 Give Kids A Smile Day!

Contact Information
Give Kids A Smile
Chris Allers
Oral Health Care Coordinator
309.736.6650
callers@bethany-qc.org


Quick Links
Program Requirements
English
Spanish


Health History and
Waiver Consent Form
English
Spanish


Release of Information Form
(HIPAA)
English
Spanish


Board of Advisors
Participating Dentists
Dentist Medicaid Enrollment Forms
Printable Brochure
Dental Health Facts


Next Give Kids A Smile Day:
February 4, 2011