There are children who have never been able to see a dentist, children who have been stuck on NHS waiting lists for more than five years, and families who have given up hope of finding a dentist able to care for their child.

Now, imagine being the dental practice that changes that.

This is what Give Kids A Smile is all about. We believe that every child should have the best start in life.

What is Give Kids A Smile?

Give Kids A Smile is a Henry Schein initiative, started in the US over 20 years ago. Our mission is to connect vulnerable children to dental teams that can provide the essential care they need. In the UK, this means having practices prepared to reach out and provide this care, at no cost to the child or the NHS.

image

Participating practices, known as GKAS Practice Partners, volunteer their time and resources for one day a year to deliver vital dental care to children who would otherwise struggle to access it.

By supporting their communities in this way, practices can make a real difference to health equity in their area. 



How Does Give Kids A Smile Work?




For practices considering getting involved with Give Kids A Smile, you want to know how it works. 


These are the three simple steps for practices getting involved with Give Kids A Smile:


    
    
  1. You sign up as Give Kids A Smile practice partners.
    2. 
    
  2. You work with your local team to identify children in need and invite them for an appointment.
    3. 
    
  3. You and your dental team provide assessments and treatment to ensure the children are dentally fit.
    4. 

Give Kids A Smile
Give Kids A Smile
Henry Schein is proud to bring the Give Kids A Smile program to the UK. The initiative is dedicated to providing underserved children with dental care.
Why Get Involved?


Joining GKAS is more than just providing dental care—it’s about transforming lives.


But don’t just take our word for it. 


Here’s what participating dental teams had to say:


“We all had a blast! It was busy, but the teams pulled together well.”


“This actually had an impact beyond GKAS. We are now working much more closely with other providers in the area, so the effect will be enduring.”


And from the families:


“Before this appointment, my child had been on an NHS waiting list for five years, and we still had no hope. Thank you for seeing her.”


“Cannot find a dentist to take on my children anywhere. Drove from Cambourne (45-minute drive). So glad I did, as the dentist was amazing. Fantastic experience for the children.”


image