On the first Friday in February each year, the American Dental Association brings the dental community together for Give Kids a Smile Day. This free event—projected to be larger than ever this year—provides cleanings and other dental services to children in need at locations throughout the country on a single day. Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) is sponsored nationally by the American Dental Association and locally by the New Jersey Dental Association.
Dentists and other team members volunteer their time and services, providing screenings, treatment, and education to children throughout the United States. Each year, approximately 450,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 events, all because of the efforts of 40,000+ annual volunteers.
Employees from Delta Dental of New Jersey are among those volunteering. In addition, our own Captain Supertooth will stop by the GKAS event at Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. He'll be visiting with the families, handing out toothbrushes and other giveaways, and talking about the importance of good dental health. Delta Dental of New Jersey volunteers will also be at KinderSmile Foundation in Montclair, NJ from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., assisting with registration, entertaining children, escorting them to their dental treatment, serving lunch, and providing education. Over 252 children attended this event last year, accompanied by 92 adults; 156 children received age-appropriate diagnostic/preventive oral care. All the children and adults received oral health education and free take-home dental care supplies.
By teaching families how to make prevention a priority, we help them improve their overall health and potentially reduce their health care costs. It's a privilege to be able to help families in such a meaningful way. To further understand why more than 3,000 New Jersey dental professionals give their time for this important cause, watch this video.
For information about the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, visit www.deltadentalnj.com and our Delta Dental of New Jersey Facebook page. For resources for free or reduced dental care in New Jersey, visit https://www.njda.org/menus/NJ-Dental-Resources.html.