Annual Give Kids a Smile Event Provides Free Dental Services for Kids
119 children received free dental services from the AZ Dental Institute
On February 8, the Midwestern University Dental Institute hosted the annual Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) event, which provides free dental care and consultations for Valley children.
The Dental Institute and the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona (CDMA) have hosted Give Kids a Smile every year since 2015. This year, 119 children received free dental services, and 270 CDMA students volunteered to provide services and education to the kids and their families.
During this event, children ages 6 to 14 received free screenings and treatments, including cleanings, sealants, fillings, or extractions. The Midwestern University Give Kids a Smile program is part of a nationwide initiative to provide underprivileged children with much-needed dental care.
“Children are our most vulnerable population. Early dental experiences shape a child’s relationship with their oral health and the dentist for life,” explains Djian-Luke Ty (CDMA ’26), student director for the event. “Unfortunately, many kids don’t see a dentist until they’re already in pain, which can make treatment scary and stressful. The key is bringing children in before there is a problem so they learn to feel comfortable in a dental setting, which will set them up for a healthy dental future.”
