65 CHILDREN RECEIVE CARE AT OHIO STATE DURING GIVE KIDS A SMILE OHIO KICKOFF
The 2026 Give Kids A Smile Ohio kickoff event took place at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry on Saturday, Jan. 31.
“The Give Kids A Smile kickoff at Ohio State was an incredible event — full of excited kids, engaged dental students and a shared commitment to making a difference,” said ODA President Dr. Kyle Bogan. “We’re grateful to the OSU College of Dentistry for partnering with the Ohio Dental Association to host the statewide kickoff and help set children on a path toward good oral health early in life, which we know leads to better overall health and a better quality of life.”
At this year’s event, over 200 student and 38 faculty/resident volunteers served 65 patients and provided 363 dental procedures, which amounted to over $35,000 worth of care provided for free.
Through the Give Kids A Smile program, created by the American Dental Association, dentists and dental professionals across the state and nation volunteer their time throughout the year to provide screenings, treatments and oral health education to children.
In 2026, over 1,300 volunteers plan to donate more than $479,000 in oral health care and education to nearly 32,000 children in Ohio.
Give Kids A Smile Day was Friday, Feb. 6, but dental offices can plan events for any time throughout the year. Give Kids A Smile activities include free dental care and/or free oral health education for children. Many dental offices hold qualifying events already and should register these activities as GKAS to receive product support, volunteer CE for dentists and hygienists providing free dental care and promotional materials. Oral health education activities in schools and other community settings also qualify for Give Kids A Smile.
Since the program began in 2003, dental professionals in Ohio have provided more than $15.5 million worth of free care to over 335,000 children, making a huge difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.
For more information and to register an event, click here.
