On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) kicked off its 8th annual Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) event at Morse School in Sleepy Hollow, NY. This year, TCDM is bringing vital dental services directly to schools in an effort to better accommodate students and minimize classroom disruptions. Students from the Classes of 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 partnered with TCDM faculty and staff to provide free dental screenings, oral health education, and interactive activities for approximately 300 elementary students at Morse School. Photos from the event can be seen he
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“Give Kids A Smile is one of the most rewarding programs of the year for our students and faculty,” said Dean Ronnie Myers, D.D.S. “Not only do we get to provide kids with essential dental care, but we also create a fun and welcoming environment where they can learn about oral health in a way that sticks with them. Seeing our students step up, connect with the community, and make a real difference in these children’s lives is incredibly fulfilling.
TCDM launched its Give Kids A Smile program in 2018, working in partnership with the Ninth District Dental Association and The New York State Dental Foundation. This initiative aligns with Touro University System’s commitment to improving community health outcomes. The program will be provided to multiple schools in the Westchester County area over the coming weeks.
The Give Kids A Smile program was established nationally in 2003 by the American Dental Association (ADA) to provide children with free oral health education and care. Each year, approximately 6,500 dentists and 30,000 dental professionals volunteer at GKAS events nationwide, serving over 300,000 children.
