ST. LOUIS (March 25, 2026) … Dental disease is a silent epidemic impacting children, affecting their ability to sleep, eat healthy and focus. For more than two decades, Give Kids A Smile® has worked to address this by hosting free, biannual dental clinics for underserved children in the Greater St. Louis area. This is made possible by volunteer dentists, supporters and founding sponsor Delta Dental of Missouri—a nonprofit and the state’s leading dental benefits provider—which has contributed $500,000 in the past 10 years alone.
Since 2001, volunteer dental professionals and community ambassadors have provided comprehensive dental care to approximately 300 children per clinic. Services include X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and dental sealants, and when needed, restorations, endodontics and oral surgery. Each clinic features a fun atmosphere, and every child receives a dental care kit. The next clinic will be held October 16-17. More details about Give Kids A Smile, clinic registration and events are available at www.gkas.org.
“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, Give Kids A Smile remains committed to ensuring that every child—regardless of income or circumstance—has access to quality dental care,” said Dr. Kourtenay Green, executive director of Give Kids A Smile. “The need is still critical, and the impact is real—when children are free from dental pain, they can sleep better, learn better and thrive. Together with the dedication of our volunteer dental teams, community ambassadors and supporters like Delta Dental of Missouri, we have served thousands of children across our region and will continue expanding access to care for the families who need it most.”
Delta Dental of Missouri awards annual grants to advance oral health in Missouri by reducing disease, expanding access to quality dental care, increasing awareness, and achieving measurable improvements statewide.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Give Kids A Smile to help eliminate the harsh realities of oral health disparities in our state,” said Stacy Harris, executive director of community impact at Delta Dental of Missouri. “Supporting this effort furthers our mission to improve health and quality of life for people of all ages.”
To learn how eligible organizations can apply for oral health grant funding in 2026, visit www.deltadentalmo.com/AboutUs/oral-health-grant-program.
About Delta Dental of Missouri
Delta Dental of Missouri is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization and the state’s leading dental benefits provider. As a nonprofit, its mission is to improve overall health and well-being in the communities it serves. It provides more than 2.41 million members with access to affordable, high-quality dental care through group plans tailored to meet the needs of organizations of all sizes, from large corporations to small businesses with two or more employees. Delta Dental also offers dental benefit plans directly to individuals and families. It also provides access to affordable, high-quality vision care through group vision benefit plans. The company proudly supports oral health initiatives, educational programs and charitable causes that help educate people about the importance of dental health and provide free dental care to those in need. Delta Dental of Missouri also created the Missouri Dental Care Resource Guide to help individuals access information about low-cost and free dental care options in their area—available online at www.deltadentalmo.com/resourceguide. To learn more about the company, visit www.DeltaDentalMO.com.
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