Give Kids a Smile Day provided 60 underserved Charlotte children with $50,000 worth of free dental care this year. The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) works with Merlo & Fahrney Dentistry, the Mecklenburg County Health Department and Communities in Schools Charlotte to organize the annual event.
The program is also supported by the ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program, launched nationally by the American Dental Association in 2003. Over the last 13 years, more than five million underserved children have received free oral health services. The GKAS program works with sponsors to collect donated dental materials and products, distributing them to GKAS programs across the country.
Christie Garella has been involved with Give Kids a Smile through the JLC for six years, serving as chair of the committee twice. She said, “I love both the education and care aspects. It is so fun to see kids get excited about brushing and talking about going to the dentist. It is also rewarding to know that we have helped kids receive the dental care they need for free.”
In addition to Give Kids a Smile day, the committee teaches a dental-focused lesson plan to Pre-K and Kindergarten students about the importance of brushing your teeth and keeping a healthy smile.
Written by Sarah Wetenhall
