Please note: The WDA and member dentists work with numerous state and community groups to identify low-income children with the greatest need to receive dental treatment through GKAS. These events are not open to the general public. If you are looking for reduced or free dental care for your child, contact your local health department or click here for a list of reduced rate dental clinics across the state.

Since 2003 when the WDA joined the American Dental Association in launching Give Kids A Smile, dentists, dental team members, dental and hygiene students and community volunteers have provided $5 million in care to 34,941 youngsters in Wisconsin.

WDA dentists may choose to work with community clinics, public health departments or school nurses to identify and treat children most in need of dental care. Sometimes a dental component society may organize a large-scale GKAS event in cooperation with a specific youth or social service organization. In other Wisconsin communities, groups of school children welcome WDA dentists into their classrooms to learn about good daily oral hygiene practices, while other students visit private dental practices where they receive basic services such as teeth cleaning and exams.

Because GKAS activities vary substantially across Wisconsin depending on local dentist involvement, the WDA does not make referrals for care.

Individuals enrolled in Wisconsin’s medical assistance programs should contact ForwardHealth at 800-362-3002 to locate a dentist provider.

As a public service, the WDA makes available 24/7 via its website a list of reduced rate dental clinics across Wisconsin. Note this is not a complete list and it is periodically updated using information made available to the WDA. While many WDA member dentists generously donate their time and services at these clinics, the WDA as an association is not affiliated with any of the clinics.

Since 2009, the three WDA Mission of Mercy events held in La Crosse, Sheboygan and Wausau have delivered more than $2.9 million in charitable care through more than 5,700 patient visits. Our next MOM event will be held in Madison on June 29 – 30, 2012. Charitable dental care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis over two days.

WDA member dentists donate millions of dollars in charitable care annually to low-income children and adults through a wide variety of outreach events like GKAS and through their private practices. “Dentists Do Serve (DDS) and Dentists Make a Difference (DMD)” in communities across Wisconsin.