For the last five years, the alumni, faculty, staff and students of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry have come together to provide uninsured children with over $40,000 in free dental treatment through Give Kids a Smile Day (GKAS).

As February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, the first installment of GKAS occurred on Feb. 29th.  In addition, the organizers of the event have planned a second day on March 13th to make GKAS more accessible to families and volunteers.

GKAS is mainly organized by the school’s chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (Pedo Club) however faculty and staff make major contributions to the overall success of the event.  This year’s GKAS chair is Jason Ashcroft, a third-year predoctoral student who attended a national symposium for GKAS in 2007.  As a volunteer for GKAS last year, Jason said he believes it is important to help those who are less fortunate and that GKAS also benefits students in fulfilling requirements and expanding their patient base.  Dara Weiner, third-year predoctoral student and president of the Pedo Club, also is active in planning the event.  Another new development for GKAS is the inclusion of dental hygiene student volunteers from the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association.