Give Kids A Smile at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (GKAS)
About
Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) is a nationwide program that was launched by the American Dental Association in 2003. It provides free oral health services such as oral health education, screenings, preventive and restorative treatment for over 6 million underserved children across the country. The main objective of GKAS is to help children and families find a dental home.
History at TUSDM
The first GKAS event hosted at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine was held in 2017 with over 70 children, ages 0-13, were screened. The 2-part event included an Oral Health Fair where children played oral health instrumentation games and activities like face painting and jeopardy were held, as well as a clinic portion where children received screenings, fluoride varnish treatment, and treatment recommendations in the Pediatric clinic.
Due to its success, in 2018 and in 2019, GKAS grew to a 2-day event where over 100 children were seen and clinic services expanded to include dental prophylaxis (cleanings), sealants, and operative procedures. The event grew sustainably so that the clinic services rendered were moved to the 2nd Floor clinic! GKAS continued to provide a fun-filled Oral Health Fair for children and families.
After a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited and honored to be hosting GKAS once more at TUSDM on March 25th, 2023!
GKAS 2023
Are you ready to explore the jungle safari with us? 🐘🌿🐯🦷This year we will be hosting the GKAS event in Merritt Auditorium as well as the 2nd floor clinic. In Merritt, we hope to provide OHI and nutrition education, games, face painting, etc. Our goal this year is to increase the number of children screened and to provide the following services in the 2nd floor clinic.
- Screening and Examinations
- Dental Prophylaxis
- Topical Fluoride
- Operative Procedures
- Sealants
- Possible EXT, Pulpotomy, and SSC
2023 – 2023 E-Board Contacts
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Martha Forero: Martha.Forero@tufts.edu
- General Management Team
- Bijal Amin: Bijal.Amin@tufts.edu
- Catherine Rayburn: Catherine.Rayburn@dgroga01
- Committee Chairs
- Jumbo Smiles: Jenny Troung (Jenny.Troung@tufts.edu) and Natasha Gokal (Natasha.Gokal@tufts.edu)
- Public Relations: Nashley Martinez (Nashley.Martinez@tufts.edu) and Jeancarlos Ferman (Jeancarlos.Ferman@tufts.edu)
- Patient Recruitment: Caroline Nelson (Caroline.Nelson@tufts.edu) and Hae-Min Song (Hae_Min.Song@tufts.edu)
- Fundraising: Adriana Iturbide-Rodriguez (Adriana.Iturbide_Rodriguez@tufts.edu)
- Clinical Operations: Amber Courtney (Amber.Courtney@tufts.edu)
- Catering: Kaylin Thies (Kaylin.Thies@tufts.edu) and Kameron Toney (Kameron.Toney@tufts.edu)
For any questions, comments, or concerns feel free to contact the General Management Team or the respective committee chair. We hope to see you there!
