Rep. Davis

Washington—ADA’s Give Kids A Smile Day “has grown to become the world’s largest oral health charitable program,” Rep. Danny Davis, D-Ill., told the U.S. House of Representatives in a speech commending GKAS volunteers.

“I would like to thank all the dental professionals who have volunteered their time this year to provide screenings, treatments and education to children throughout the United States,” he said. “I urge my colleagues to support the ADA’s efforts to improve the lives and expand opportunities for our nation’s children.”

Each February, Illinois dentists donate more than $ 1 million in much-needed dental care to children through GKAS clinics, Rep. Davis said in the Feb. 28 speech on the House floor. This February in Illinois, more than 2,000 dental care professionals volunteered for Give Kids A Smile Day, reaching upwards of 17,000 kids.

“I commend the American Dental Association for its tireless efforts to raise awareness and develop solutions so more people can receive dental care,” said the ninth term representative of Illinois’ seventh district. “Since the ADA’s Give Kids A Smile program was founded 12 years ago in St. Louis, it has grown to become the world’s largest oral health charitable program, encouraging parents, health professionals and policymakers to address the year-round need for oral health care for all children.

“Each year, thousands of the nation’s dentists, dental team members and community volunteers provide free oral health care services to children from low-income families,” Rep. Davis said.

He also cited the Illinois State Dental Society and its Foundation, which will hold the third Illinois Mission of Mercy in Peoria in June, a free, two-day dental clinic during which more than 950 volunteers see 1,000 patients each day and provide more than $ 1 million in oral health care.