The American Dental Association Foundation has launched the 2026 cycle of its Give Kids A Smile initiative at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, marking 24 years since the access-to-care program began as a local effort in Saint Louis, Missouri. The kickoff event in Houston, Texas signals the start of another year of volunteer-driven oral health services delivered to underserved children across the country.
Since 2003, Give Kids A Smile has provided care to more than 10.2 million children nationwide. Activities begin nationally in February, aligning with National Children’s Dental Health Month, and continue throughout the year with events hosted by dental offices, clinics, schools, and community organizations. The program relies on tens of thousands of dentists and dental team members who donate their time to provide care.
“Hosting the national kickoff for Give Kids A Smile is a historic moment for UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry and powerfully reinforces our mission to improve oral and overall health through compassionate, community-centered care,” said Raha K. Naderi, RDH, MEd, director of community outreach at the School of Dentistry. “Give Kids A Smile is more than a one-day event; it is a springboard for lifelong oral health. Every child we serve leaves not only with a healthier smile but with a clear pathway to continued care.”
Organizers estimate that the 2026 program will reach approximately 325,000 children through free oral health education, dental screenings, cleanings, and preventive and restorative services; about 1,200 events are expected to be held nationwide; and roughly 23,000 volunteers, including dentists and dental team members, are anticipated to participate.
“Give Kids A Smile is a national public-private collaboration that ensures access to quality oral health care services for all children, and, given that dental disease is the #1 reason children are absent from school, GKAS truly improves a child's overall well-being on a daily basis,” said Dr. Rita Cammarata, chair of the ADA Foundation. “We sincerely thank all of the volunteers and sponsors that support this initiative, which will help improve the lives of children for years to come.”
Longtime industry partners continue to support the scale of the program. Henry Schein has served as the exclusive professional product sponsor since the initiative’s inception, contributing more than $20 million in products in collaboration with supplier partners. For 2026, the company reports that Team Schein prepared more than 2,600 dental kits for volunteers.
“Together, we will continue to champion a critical mission: expanding access to vital oral health care for all,” said Steven Kizy, vice president and general manager of Henry Schein’s U.S. Dental Group.
The company’s support aligns with Henry Schein Cares, its global corporate citizenship initiative focused on expanding health care access, advancing innovation and policy, building relationships, empowering employees, and promoting environmental sustainability. In 2026, Henry Schein Cares marks 25 years of activity aimed at strengthening communities and improving access to care.
Colgate-Palmolive has supported Give Kids A Smile since 2007 as the exclusive sponsor of oral health and hygiene products used in the program. The company connects its involvement to Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures initiative, which has reached approximately 2 billion children and families worldwide since 1991 through education, screenings, and treatment referrals.
“Colgate is proud to support Give Kids A Smile, as we work towards engaging more children and their families with critical oral health education and free dental screenings,” said Dawna Michelle Fields, senior director, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures. “Together, we can create a world of bright smiles and even brighter futures.”
Additional support for the 2026 effort comes from supplier partners including Ansell, Centrix, DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc., Dukal, Haleon, Perrigo, Solventum, and Sunstar Group.
More information is available at www.adafoundation.org/GKAS.
