Give Kids A Smile® Day: Free Dental Care for Children at Parkland College
In a heartening community initiative, the Illini District Dental Society, in collaboration with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Parkland College Dental Hygiene Clinic, is set to host Give Kids A Smile® (GKAS) Day. This charitable event will take place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Parkland College Dental Hygiene Clinic, located at 2400 W. Bradley in Champaign.
As part of the Children’s Dental Access Program through the American Dental Association® (ADA), GKAS Day is dedicated to providing free dental care to children from low-income families. This year’s event will offer a range of essential dental services, including free dental exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments for any child aged one to 17.
Local dentists and hygienists are volunteering their time and expertise to ensure the success of this event, reflecting their commitment to giving back to the community and promoting oral health among children. The oral health fair will not only provide dental care but also aims to educate. It includes a variety of activities focused on dental hygiene, such as free toothbrushes and interactive sessions with the Tooth Fairy. The goal is to create a fun and educational experience for the children while addressing their dental needs.
No appointments are necessary for this event, but a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child. Importantly, there are no income or residency requirements, ensuring that the services are accessible to all children in need.
The Give Kids a Smile® program, launched nationally by the ADA in 2003, has been instrumental in providing underserved children with free oral health care. Annually, around 6,500 dentists and 30,000 dental team members volunteer at GKAS events across the United States, offering free oral health education, screenings, and treatment to over 300,000 children.
This year’s GKAS Day is sponsored by the Illini District Dental Society in partnership with the Parkland College Dental Hygiene program and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. For more information or inquiries about this special event, individuals can contact Laura Hettinger, the Parkland College Dental Hygiene Program Director, at (217) 351-2386 or lhettinger@parkland.edu.
To learn more about the Give Kids A Smile® program, visit https://www.adafoundation.org/give-kids-a-smile. This event represents a vital opportunity to ensure the dental health of our community’s children, a foundation for their overall health and well-being.
