![Dental students standing on front steps taking group photo](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-03/SFX02141.jpg?h=fc451998&itok=CxmqM67Q) 

 



 

#  Give Kids A Smile brings dental care and education to the local community 

 





Through its annual outreach event, HSDM delivered comprehensive dental services to children in the community while reinforcing its commitment to prevention and access to care.



 

March 03, 2026

 

 

Colorful toothbrushes, animal-themed costumes, and laughter filled the halls of the Harvard Dental Center as children, ages one to 17, arrived to receive free dental care and learn about oral health. Accompanied by their families, nearly 50 young patients, attended the popular Give Kids a Smile event hosted by Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) on Saturday, February 28.



 

 

 

     ![two sudents in PPE flank a child in a dental chair. The students are smiling](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_3_4__480x640/public/2026-03/SFX02175.jpg?itok=9LVvqzaF) 

 



 

  

 

     ![Two dental students in PPE smiling flanking a patient in the dental chair also smiling](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-03/SFX02216.jpg?itok=aNo1BelL) 

 



 

  

 

     ![Dental student in PPE and wearing lion ears leans over a child in a dental chairl. Child has her mouth wide open.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-03/SFX02192.jpg?itok=F735rV9Q) 

 



 

  

 

 

 

 

HSDM students served as dental providers, assistants, and oral health education volunteers throughout the event. Children received routine exams, cleanings, and X-rays, with care delivered under the supervision of HSDM faculty, Harvard Dental Center staff, and Advanced Graduate Education (AGE) residents.



 

   

GKAS is an important reminder of how much accessible dental care matters for the children in our community. I feel very fortunate to be part of a community at HSDM that is so committed to supporting and caring for our youngest patients.

 

Janaki Chandra, DMD28

 

 



 

 

 

  ![two students helping two children with crafts](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-03/SFX02328.jpg)

 



 

 Members of HSDM’s Pediatric Dentistry club led oral health education activities, teaching young patients proper brushing and flossing techniques.



   

 

  ![Student using a stencil to paint on a child's cheek](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-03/SFX02334.jpg)

 



 

 In addition to learning about positive oral health habits, a face painting station and goodie bags were also included in the festivities.



   

 

 

 

 

  ![Group of students and childeren pose for a group photo](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-03/SFX02344.jpg)

 



 

 Students from Natick Public Schools attended the event, where they received dental exams, cleanings, and hands-on oral health education.



   

 

  ![Dental students in scrubs one holding a stuffed tooth](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-03/SFX02147.jpg)

 



 

 Student lead organizers Sabrina Del Valle, DMD27, Brendon Anderson, DMD27, and Janaki Chandra, DMD28, with HSDM faculty member Maritza Morell



   

 

 

 

 

   

GKAS is such a special event because we’re not only providing dental care, we’re also shaping, in some cases, a child’s very first experience with a dentist. Experiences like this can set kids up for a lifetime of dental care and show them that their oral health matters.

 

Brendon Anderson, DMD27

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Harvard Dental Center ](/news-and-events/harvard-dental-center)
- [ Community ](/news-categories/community)
- [ Students ](/news-categories/students)