Georgia Dentists Launch Major Initiative to Combat Childhood Tooth Decay

ATLANTA, GA – February 02, 2026 – As families across Georgia settle into the new year, the state's dental community is mobilizing for a critical public health battle. February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is spearheading a massive statewide effort to combat what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls the most common chronic disease among children: tooth decay.

With CDC data revealing that more than half of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have had at least one cavity in a baby tooth, the GDA's initiative aims to bring education, prevention, and direct care to thousands of children. Through the coordinated efforts of volunteer dentists, the association is rolling out programs designed to reverse these alarming statistics and instill lifelong healthy habits.

A Statewide Response to a Silent Epidemic

The problem of pediatric dental decay, while often overlooked, carries significant consequences for a child's overall health, development, and well-being. Untreated cavities can lead to pain, infection, difficulty eating and speaking, and missed school days. In Georgia, the issue is particularly acute. While recent comprehensive data is being gathered, a 2005 state survey found that 56% of third graders had experienced tooth decay, and a startling 27% had untreated decay, with children from low-income families disproportionately affected.

In response, the GDA, through its philanthropic arm, the GDA Foundation for Oral Health, is intensifying its two flagship programs: the GDA Foundation Smile Kit program and Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) events. These initiatives form a powerful, dual-pronged strategy that combines providing essential tools with delivering hands-on professional care, targeting the root causes of poor oral health through education and access.

"Our member dentists are committed to improving the oral health of Georgia's children," said Georgia Dental Association President Dr. Peter Shatz in a recent statement. "Programs like the Smile Kit initiative, supported in part by the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Give Kids a Smile events enable dentists to educate families, provide preventive care resources, and help ensure every child has the opportunity to smile with confidence."

Equipping Families and Building Healthy Habits

A cornerstone of the GDA's preventive strategy is the Georgia Smile Kit. Far more than a simple giveaway, these kits are a foundational tool for building healthy routines at home. Each kit contains a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss, and accessible educational materials designed to guide both children and their caregivers. The goal is to demystify oral hygiene and empower families to take control of their dental health.

For 2026, the GDA has announced a remarkable 50 percent increase in Smile Kit distribution, a significant expansion that will allow the program to reach more communities than ever before. The foundation provides an estimated 10,000 of these kits annually to dentists and community partners for distribution at local events, underscoring the scale of the effort. This surge in resources directly addresses the need for basic supplies, which can be a barrier for many families.

To supplement these tools, the GDA reiterates core recommendations for parents and caregivers:
* Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss daily to clean between teeth.
* Eat a balanced diet, limiting sugary snacks and drinks that fuel decay-causing bacteria.
* Visit the dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.

By combining tangible tools with clear, actionable advice, the association aims to plant the seeds of wellness early, creating a foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Beyond the Chair: Volunteer Dentists Making a Difference

While education and at-home care are crucial, they are only part of the solution. The GDA's Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) events bring the expertise of dental professionals directly to the children who need it most. Throughout February and the rest of the year, GDA member dentists are stepping away from their private practices to volunteer their time and skills at clinics set up in schools, community centers, and other local venues across Georgia.

These events provide a range of free services, including dental health education, screenings to identify potential issues, and preventive care like fluoride treatments and dental sealants. In some cases, restorative treatment is also provided. The program primarily focuses on serving underserved children who may face significant barriers to accessing regular dental care.

The impact of this volunteerism is substantial. In 2022, for example, 15 GKAS events across the state provided an estimated $28,000 in donated dental care to over 630 children. With over 100 GDA member dentists historically participating in these events statewide, the collective effort represents a powerful commitment from the professional community to public service.

A Collaborative Effort for Community Health

The GDA's ambitious campaign is not a solo endeavor. It is powered by a network of strategic partnerships and a community-based model that amplifies its impact. The GDA Foundation for Oral Health, which derives over 97% of its revenue from contributions, serves as the financial engine for these public health programs.

Key partners include the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (GAPD), which lends its specialized expertise to support the Smile Kit initiative. This collaboration ensures that the educational materials and preventive strategies are aligned with the highest standards of pediatric dental care. Furthermore, the foundation's work extends to children with unique needs through its partnership with Special Olympics Georgia, delivering the "Special Smiles" program that offers screenings and education to athletes.

This approach mirrors a successful national strategy. The GDA's efforts are part of the American Dental Association's nationwide Give Kids A Smile program, which has provided care to millions of children since its inception in 2003. By aligning with this larger movement, the GDA leverages national resources while tailoring its programs to the specific needs of Georgia's communities. This collaborative, volunteer-driven model is essential for addressing persistent oral health disparities and ensuring that every child, regardless of their family's income or location, has a reason to smile.