Give Kids A Smile

Give Kids A Smile - St. Louis (GKAS) provides quality full-service dentistry free of charge to children with inadequate access due to financial or geographic reasons. These full-service dental services are provided through a two-day dental clinic, held at St. Louis University, in February and October each year. Every child seen at the "Give Kids a Smile" clinic receives an oral examination, necessary radiographs, a thorough cleaning and fluoride treatment and education on oral hygiene, proper nutrition, etc. Fillings and extractions can also be completed at the clinic, with follow-up appointments scheduled with local, volunteer dentists, if necessary.

The target population for GKAS is children of grade school age who are living at or below the poverty level. These children often lack access to dental care affecting their ability to sleep, eat properly, pay attention in school, or simply smile. Medicaid eligibility and free or reduced lunch programs at schools are a federal measurement of poverty levels. Give Kids A Smile contacts schools and social relief organizations which pre-screen the needs of the children and use these factors as tools in the process.

For more information about the Give Kids a Smile program, please call 636-397-6453 or visit www.gkas.org.