Local Events  -  Current and Past

Free Dental Care to Children Without Dentists

     The Dental Societies of Pinellas County will hope to screen, clean and treat more than 500 children in Pinellas County who otherwise would be unable to receive dental care.  In order to be eligible for free dental care, the child must be Medicaid eligible, but not covered by Medicaid. The parent or guardian must complete the paperwork authorizing dental treatment and will transport the child to the nearest clinic for the appointment.  Parents can call to ensure their children are eligible and make an appointment by calling the Info-line at  (727) 210-4222.

     We are hoping to reach as many of our community’s underserved children as we can by partnering up with groups such as the Pinellas County School Board, the YMCA, the Resurrection House for homeless families and the Pinellas County School System.

     Give Kids a Smile launched its first annual program in 2003 in the national, state and local arenas.  Nationally sponsored by the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association on the state level, our local association (Pinellas County Dental Association) joined this crusade to highlight the need for improved dental care for underprivileged children.  Nationally, an estimated 1 million children were seen last year at over 2500 locations.  At the statewide events, about 1,000 Florida Dental Association members participated and provided almost $1 million of free treatment.

     Locally, the event sponsored by the dental societies of Pinellas County helped 544 children receive over $144,000 in services ranging from exams, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealants, x-rays, fillings, extractions, crowns and home care kits.  Almost 200 dentists, hygienists and assistants volunteered their time to treat these children. 

      This year’s event is again targeting more than 500 children ages 4-17 at eight local clinics, with a goal of providing an estimated $150,000 in dental services within the three specified days.  On Friday, February 12^th every child participating in the program will be seen for a screening, x-rays, a cleaning and sealants, if needed.  On February 26^th and 27^th, any children needing treatment will return to appointed clinics for fillings and extractions.  Several clinics will be used throughout Pinellas: The Department of Health in St. Pete and Pinellas Park, St. Pete College Dental Hygiene Clinic, South PTEC Dental Assisting Clinic, Johnnie Ruth Clark Clinic and the UFCD Seminole Satellite Clinic.

Parents and organizations can receive more information  by calling the Info-line at  (727) 210-4222. 

       Space is limited, so call today to reserve a child’s spot for this great event with our local dentists and hygienists.

Pictures from Give Kids A Smile 2009

Click here for more pictures from 

 Pinellas Give Kids A Smile

   Thank you to all our Volunteers - PCDA Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants and other Support Staff and Organizers for this successful annual event!