Give Kids a Smile

The generosity of the state’s dental profession shines bright every February when 2,500 volunteers come together to give free care to thousands of low-income children. This charitable outreach program, called Give Kids a Smile, took place on Friday, Feb. 5, and Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010.

One volunteer summed up the experience of helping so many children in need: “It was great! Everyone was so appreciative! It was a good feeling.”

Eight-year volunteer Todd Tsuchiya, DDS, wrote about his experiences with the program in an excellent column that appeared in the Pioneer Press.  Read: What we learn from 'Give Kids a Smile'.

Along with the satisfaction of helping children protect and restore their dental health, volunteers are always gratified to see so many beautiful smiles! View some of those smiles on our Give Kids a Smile 2010 photo page.

If your clinic hosted a Give Kids a Smile event and you need additional forms, or if you simply want to learn more about how the program works, please visit the Resources and Materials page.

Registration for volunteers will begin again in September. Please watch for more details closer to that date. For ongoing updates about this program, become a fan of the MDA on Facebook and Twitter.  

Our generous sponsors
The MDA is proud to announce that HealthPartners and 3M ESPE Dental Products have again joined us as sponsors. These generous companies, who have supported Give Kids a Smile for eight years, provided funding needed to promote the program with advertising on WCCO-TV and on radio stations throughout the state. The ads encouraged families in need to make an appointment for Give Kids a Smile. This year’s WCCO-TV ads featured Amelia Santaniello and Frank Vascellaro. Please join the MDA in thanking these sponsors for their commitment to dentists’ charitable efforts and for helping us spread the word to families who lack access to dental services.

Support from your Foundation
Each year, the Minnesota Dental Foundation provides grants to help offset costs of dental supplies needed by community-based clinics that host Give Kids a Smile events. Many of those clinics say they would not be able to participate without the Foundation’s support. Thank you!