Give Kids a Smile! Day
Give Kids a Smile! Day is our most ambitious ongoing project. In 2007, 1,000 children aged 6-12 received over $400,000 in donated care. AzDA member dentists partner with local schools and community groups throughout the state to identify children whose parents cannot qualify for dental care. In recognition of this American Dental Association's access to care campaign, volunteer dental professionals provide free restorative care consisting of fillings, crowns, extractions and yes, even root canals.
Why do we do this? Because:
- About 51 million hours of school are lost each year due to dental problems.
- 31% of Arizona children have never had a dental check-up.
- Of 22 states with oral health data, Arizona ranks third highest (almost 39%) in the proportion of third grade children with untreated tooth decay.
- AHCCCS dental reimbursement rates are approximately 50% below what it costs to provide treatment.
- For every $10 spent on prevention of oral health problems, an estimated $8-$50 can be saved in restorative and emergency treatment.
- Only about half of Arizona's population receive fluoridated water and are lacking in preventable transmission and repair of dental caries.
