Visitors from the Yonkers School district along with friends and family of the TCDM and New York Medical College communities participated in and benefited from the event, with 275 children receiving screenings. Local families enjoyed face painting, snacks, arts and crafts, entertainment, educational activities, and a visit from the Tooth Fairy and Captain Cavity Fighter.  

“Our annual Give Kids A Smile event allows our students to celebrate oral health awareness and connect with the community, all while having the opportunity to inspire a new generation of dental health professionals,” said Dean Ronnie Myers D.D.S. “A core value for the Touro University System is making a positive impact in local communities and at TCDM we strive to instill a desire in our students to serve their community and provide high quality care to every patient they see. At Give Kids A Smile we get to see these goals come to life as students and faculty join together to do good for others.”  

GKAS was established at TCDM in 2018 in conjunction with the Ninth District Dental Association and support from The New York State Dental Foundation. The Yonkers School District shares TCDM’s commitment to educating students and families about the importance of dental and overall health and was eager to provide support and outreach to families in need. 

The Give Kids a Smile program, launched nationally alongside the American Dental Association (ADA) in 2003, provides underserved children with free oral health care. Each year approximately 6,500 dentists and 30,000 dental team members volunteer at local GKAS events to provide free oral health education, screenings, preventive and restorative treatment to over 300,000 children.