Give Kids A Smile
Helping Younger Patients Achieve Optimal Oral Health
Every year since 2003, the Section of Pediatric Dentistry holds its annual Give Kids A Smile event at a neighboring clinic in Los Angeles. This national initiative, created in 2003 by the American Dental Association, promotes pediatric oral health in underserved communities.
Under the Give Kids A Smile program, dental schools across the country organize local health fairs to benefit hundreds of children. Student dentists, pediatric dentistry residents, and faculty, visit local elementary and junior high schools the week before, to screen kids to receive dental treatment at the event.
For the past several years, UCLA has collaborated with the Children’s Dental Center of Greater Los Angeles in Inglewood to utilize their 10-chair dental clinic for this special event, while dozens of faculty members, residents, and student dentists help as volunteers.
More than 140 children, infants to teens, receive free dental services and valuable oral health education. Services include dental screenings, fluoride varnish applications, sealants, fillings, and extractions. And every child receives free toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Because good oral health habits start young, UCLA Dentistry is dedicated to providing care and guidance to our most important patients.
Contact Us
If you would like to volunteer your time at an upcoming Give Kids A Smile event or donate in-kind supplies, please contact:
Dr. Nini Tran
Section of Pediatric Dentistry
Phone: (310) 825-0691
Email: ninic@dentistry.ucla.edu