Give Kids A Smile
 The Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program is a community program and national screening day aimed to increase access to dental care to the underserved, low-income children. This program is endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation and is coordinated locally by the GKAS Board of Advisors. It is one of the many community services programs of Bethany for Children & Families. The screening takes place on a mobile dental clinic that will come to your child's school.
GKAS services are available to children ages three to 17 who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, who have never been to a dentist, who do not have dental insurance, or have Medicaid but cannot find a provider who accepts that type of insurance. Eighty to 95 dentists, plus their own staff, volunteer for this year-round program.
Children who qualify for this program receive the following dental services free of charge:
• education to help improve oral health
• cleaning
 • exam
• fluoride treatment
• sealants (if needed at the time)
The dentists also provide follow-up care, but certain specialties are based on the availability of the volunteer dentists.
 These services may include:
• amalgam and composite fillings
• extractions
• root canals
• orthodontia
Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the dental office with their children for their follow up work. If a child is referred to a specialist for dental work the general dentist cannot complete, the parent must accompany the child to his/her appointments. In general, outside volunteers and staff from Bethany will accompany the children to their dental visit. Bethany agency vans are used to transport the children to the dentist for their restorative work.
View photos from the 2011 Give Kids A Smile Day!
Give Kids A Smile Dental Buddy Companion
Bethany's Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) Comprehensive Exam and Sealant Program is in need of volunteers to serve as Dental Buddy Companions for elementary, middle, and high school youth. Volunteers are needed to transport children to follow-up dental appointments at various school locations within the Rock Island and Scott County School Districts. Opportunities for volunteering would be on an as-needed basis, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Volunteer must be physically able to drive a vehicle in a safe manner and provide proof of vehicle insurance. Volunteer must have a positive attitude and be able to get along well with children. A background check with fingerprinting will also be required and is set up through Bethany for Children & Families
Give Kids a Smile Brochure |
Contact Information
Give Kids A Smile
Chris Allers
Oral Health Care Coordinator
309.736.6650
callers@bethany-qc.org
Quick Links
Program Requirements
English
Spanish
Health History and
Waiver Consent Form
English
Spanish
Release of Information Form
(HIPAA)
English
Spanish
Board of Advisors
Participating Dentists
Dentist Medicaid Enrollment Forms
Printable Brochure
Dental Health Facts
:30 GKAS Commercial
Next Give Kids A Smile Day:
February 3, 2012
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