Give Kids A Smile Campaign
The American Dental Association launched the Give Kids A Smile program nationally in 2003 as a way for dentists across the country to join with others in their community to provide dental services to under-served children.
In 2005, the California Dental Association sponsored a bill that made California one of eight states that mandate oral health assessments. This landmark legislation requires children to have an oral health assessment by May 31st of their first year in public school at kindergarten or first grade. Volunteer dentists that participate in the ‘Give Kids A Smile’ program organized by SGVDS every year helps fulfill the oral health assessment requirement for children who may not have access to dental care. The ‘Give Kids A Smile’ Program is conducted every year during the months of January-April. SGVDS Community Health Region Directors coordinate volunteer dentists in their specified areas ‘regions’ to provide free screenings for children at local elementary schools.
- Region 1 — Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, South Pasadena, Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, San Gabriel, Sierra Madre, Temple City, and Bradbury
- Region 2 — Alhambra, Monterey Park, Rosemead, El Monte and South El Monte, Montebello, Pico Rivera, East Los Angeles, El Seren
- Region 3 — Covina, West Covina, Glendora, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Irwindale, Whittier, Hacienda Heights, Industry, La Puente, Rowland Heights and Valinda
