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Let's spread some joy and healthy habits on the first Friday in February with the heartwarming event, Give Kids A Smile! This initiative by the American Dentist Association (ADA), has been paving the way to healthier smiles since its inception in 2003. It started as a one-day event in a single city offering free dental care for nearly 400 kids. Today, it has grown into a nationwide effort, touching the lives of more than 5.5 million children to date. As part of this incredible day, dentists and their dental teams provide voluntary care and educate children about the importance of oral hygiene. So join us in efforts to make every child smile healthier and happier!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Initiative Launch</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Dentist Association launched the 'Give Kids A Smile' initiative, aiming to provide free dental care to less fortunate children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>ADA's efforts were recognized nationally, leading to more industry associations participating in the initiative, broadening its reach.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>1 Million Children Helped</div><div class='timeline-text'>By 2008, the initiative was able to reach and provide dental care to over one million children across America.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Program Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The program expanded to include preventative maintenance, such as educating children about the importance of good oral hygiene practices.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Reach Increased</div><div class='timeline-text'>Give Kids A Smile provided care to over five million children, reaching more kids than ever before, showcasing its increasing impact.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adapting Amid Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative adapted through virtual dental events and safety practices, continuing its work in providing free dental care.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a toothbrush and toothpaste drive</h3><p class='facts-text'>Gather friends, family, or coworkers and organize a toothbrush and toothpaste donation drive. This is a simple yet effective way to make sure more kids have the basic tools necessary for healthy oral hygiene.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Spread the word about the importance of oral health</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use social media, email, or other forms of communication to share educational information about dental health. This will raise awareness about its importance and encourage more people to take part in the initiative.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize a community dental screening</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you're part of a dental team, organize a free dental screening event in your community. This could serve as a significant step toward ensuring the dental health of local kids who might not otherwise have access to these services.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Volunteer at the event</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you're a dentist or dental professional, sign up to provide voluntary care for kids during Give Kids A Smile. Even if you're not in the dental field, you can help by volunteering to host, organize or assist during the event.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Make a monetary donation</h3><p class='facts-text'>Consider making a donation to Give Kids A Smile or any other organization focused on providing children with free dental care. Your financial support can help these organizations reach more kids and offer more comprehensive services.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Good Oral Hygiene Habits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>"Give Kids A Smile" plays an important role in raising awareness about the importance of oral health and promoting good dental hygiene habits from an early age. Encouraging children to brush and floss regularly can help prevent future dental issues.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Provides Free Dental Care for Children</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the main reasons we love "Give Kids A Smile" is that it provides free dental care to children who might not otherwise be able to afford it. This initiative ensures that children are getting the necessary dental care they need without financial burdens limiting their access.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fosters Community Engagement and Volunteerism</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>"Give Kids A Smile" encourages community participation and volunteerism. Dentists, dental professionals, and members of the community come together to support this cause. This sense of unity brought by helping children achieve healthier and happier smiles makes this initiative even more special.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Give Kids A Smile Evolved from a Local to an National Initiative</h3><p class='facts-content'>What started initially as a one-day local event in St. Louis, Missouri, rapidly gained momentum to become a national initiative recognized by the American Dental Association, expanding its reach vastly.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 10,000 Dentists Participate in Give Kids A Smile Each Year</h3><p class='facts-content'>Growing each year since its inception, now more than 10,000 dentists actively participate in the initiative annually to provide free care to children across the nation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Not Just Dentists, but also 30,000 Volunteers Join Forces</h3><p class='facts-content'>Besides dentists, each year nearly 30,000 dental team members donate their time and skills to make this event a success - highlighting the incredible community effort behind this initiative.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Program Extends Beyond Just One Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the initiative is highlighted on the first Friday of February each year, Give Kids A Smile programs often last all year long giving children continued access to care.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 300,000 kids receive Treatment Annually through Give Kids A Smile</h3><p class='facts-content'>From screenings to treatment services, an average of over 300,000 children benefit from Give Kids A Smile on an annual basis, making it a hugely impactful initiative.</p></div></div>
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