Newswise — An estimated one million children received free dental services for the second consecutive year thanks to Give Kids A Smile National Access Day (GKAS) events held during National Children's Dental Health Month (February).
Introduced nationally in 2003 by the American Dental Association (ADA), this year's GKAS events took place at approximately 2,500 locations across the nation, with some 36,000 dental-team volunteers, including over 14,000 dentists, providing free services to underserved children.
"It is very gratifying to witness and be a participant with the thousands of other dental-team members in such a massive, rewarding undertaking that benefits so many children," said ADA President Eugene Sekiguchi, D.D.S. "This volunteer effort is an impressive example of the selflessness of the dental community, including our partners from the corporate sector."
Single most chronic childhood disease
Dr. Sekiguchi added, "Through Give Kids A Smile, dentistry also focused needed, national attention on the silent epidemic of dental disease that prevents children from eating, sleeping and paying attention in school. Tooth decay is the single most chronic childhood disease."
Most GKAS activities took place on February 6, the nationally proclaimed GKAS National Access Day, when team members provided free services including fillings, cleanings and fluoride treatments at large-scale dental clinics. Additionally, many dentists provided care to underserved children in their private practices, and others presented education and screening programs at a variety of locations.
Next year's GKAS National Access Day is set for February 4, according to the ADA.
Corporate sponsors
Joining the ADA in its GKAS efforts was Crest Healthy Smiles 2010, the exclusive consumer product sponsor. Crest Healthy Smiles 2010, a national oral health outreach program, provides oral hygiene products, educational materials and the resources of its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to GKAS events across the country.
GKAS also receives generous support from its three professional product sponsors. Sullivan-Schein, the exclusive product distributor partner, is the largest distributor of health care products and services to office-based health care practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. Through its vendors, Sullivan-Schein provides professional product packages for programs offering full treatment, prevention and screening.
Ivoclar Vivadent Inc., a leading international manufacturer of a full range of products for preventive, restorative and prosthetic dentistry, contributes preventive and restorative product. DEXIS Digital X-ray Systems, which implements digital diagnostic solutions for dental practices, is providing digital x-ray units with staff.
The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 147,000 members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced the practice of dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance long has been a valuable and respected guide to consumer and professional products. For more information about the ADA, visit the Association's Web site at http://www.ada.org.
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