A child’s smile is a precious, priceless gift. A simple grin from a tiny, glowing face can instantly and effortlessly change your day for the better. For many children, however, smiling doesn’t come so easily, particularly when financial difficulties make vital dental care an impossibility. At Dalin Dental Associates in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Jeffrey B. Dalin and his compassionate team believe that all children deserve comprehensive dental care regardless of their family’s socioeconomic situation. With Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) — a not-for-profit organization that provides free oral healthcare services to underprivileged children in the St. Louis area — Dr. Dalin and various other like-minded dentists have been helping underserved kids in our community find something to smile about since 2002.
As one of the primary founders of Give Kids a Smile, Dr. Dalin has seen what an incredible difference regular dental checkups and care can make in a disadvantaged child’s life. Every year, we provide area children with essential general and preventative dentistry services, including exams, x-rays, cleanings, restorations, protective sealants, fortifying fluoride treatments, oral surgery, and more.
Clinics are held twice each year at the Center for Advanced Dental Education at St. Louis University. Treatments, services, educational materials, hygiene materials, lunch, and plenty of fun are all offered free of charge in an exciting, welcoming, circus-themed environment the kids absolutely love!
The GKAS idea was so well-received when it began that the American Dental Association (ADA) picked it up, too, spreading awareness nationwide. Now, every year, over one million children receive over $1 billion in dental care because of the recognition raised by GKAS. Though we’re thrilled with this progress, we know our work is still never finished locally and throughout the country. That’s why Dr. Dalin, his colleagues, and the Give Kids a Smile team continue to strive for bigger and better things every day, developing new and original ways to provide underserved St. Louis area children with the fundamental oral healthcare and education they need for a lifetime of smiles.
If you have any questions about the Give Kids a Smile organization or events, or you’d like to know how you can help with donations, contact our office in St. Louis, MO or visit GKAS.org. Together, we can give our community’s kids a brighter, healthier future through complete dental care.