Annual “Give Kids A Smile” Events Increase Access to Oral Healthcare for Thousands of Children in Underserved Communities in New York During Children’s Dental Health Month

Give Kids A Smile events led to thousands of children in underserved communities receiving access to oral healthcare across New York this February during Children’s Dental Health Month. Together with the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA), dental societies across the state host these free events annually to provide oral hygiene and nutrition education to children.

Give Kids A Smile events feature onsite clinical exams with screenings, preventive and restorative treatments, with additional services available for children who display acute dental issues.

“Give Kids A Smile events are critical to closing the gap in access to care for children who need the care the most in underserved areas across our state,” said Maurice Edwards, DMD, NYSDA President. “I commend leadership from our dental societies and member volunteers who participate in these events to teach good oral health habits early and the positive effect routine care has on your overall health.”

Details for Give Kids A Smile events across the state included the following:

Nassau County Dental Society: Together with The Nassau Academy of Dentistry, a record 365 volunteers provided care to 1,250 students at Cradle of Aviation Museum, including dental exams, fluoride treatments and sealants. For the first time, the event featured a book reading from local author Christine LaSpina and her book “Toothkins: The Dentist Is Your Friend”. This year marked the dental society’s 23rd Give Kids a Smile event.

New York County Dental Society: More than 185 volunteers cared for over 1,200 students from 11 participating schools in East Harlem. The number of students that participated, marked nearly a 20% increase from 2025. This year was the dental society’s 13th Give Kids a Smile event.

Mid-Hudson – Ninth District Dental Association: NYSDA’s Ninth District Dental Association supported an event for 50 preschool aged children at Little Sprouts Preschool in Peekskill, N.Y.

NYSDA looks forward to supporting the upcoming Give Kids A Smile events:

• Monday, February 23, at B’Above Head Start in Brewster, N.Y. hosted by the Ninth District Dental Association
• Saturday, April 18, at Long Island Aquarium & Exhibition Center in Riverhead, N.Y hosted by the Suffolk County Dental Society