In addition to National Children ’ s Dental Health Month , many PDA members chose to donate their time to Give Kids a Smile ® , ADA ’ s national program which provides access to care to low-income families . Although GKAS is traditionally celebrated the first Friday in February , GKAS events occur throughout the year . The eighth annual GKAS Days at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine were held February 5 and March 5 . Approximately 100 dental and dental hygiene students of the Student Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry volunteered their time to treat 250 uninsured pediatric patients . Treatment included exams , amalgam restorations , topical fluoride , radiographs , sealants , composite restorations and extractions . While waiting for treatment , children and their families could visit the “ Education Station ,” an area filled with craft and coloring stations and dental education videos . Also in Pittsburgh , the Dental Society of Western Pennsylvania hosted GKAS events at the Children ’ s Museum of Pittsburgh . The events were originally scheduled for February 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 , but three
Dental hygiene students from the University of Pittsburgh , from left to right : Niki Contes , Sarah Carter , Dina Contes , Megan Newcomer , Megan Saunders and Jennifer Turnbull .
22 May / June 2010 • Pennsylvania Dental Journal