School of Dentistry volunteers treat 197 kids at Give Kids a Smile

There were smiles – oh, and a few tears. But by day's end, 197 children were in good spirits after receiving free dental care at the University of Minnesota Dental Clinics on February 10. The student-organized Saturday clinic was part of Give Kids a Smile (GKAS). The annual event helps connect children in need (and their families) to the health care system and to the U-M Dental Clinics as their dental 'home.' 451 volunteers turned out to make the day a success, including 274 dental, dental therapy and dental hygiene students and 69 faculty, staff, residents and outside licensed providers - plus 108 pre-dent and interprofessional students. Thank you to 2018 GKAS co-chairs Maddie Gamble, Quentin Knudson and MaiSee Moua-McDaniel (all D3 students) and to all planning committee members and volunteers.