Give Kids A Smile

Fortis Celebrates Give Kids a Smile® and National Children’s Dental Health Month with Campus Events Nationwide

Since its launch in 2003, the American Dental Association Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile® program has helped shine a spotlight on the importance of healthy smiles for kids. Each year, dental professionals across the country come together with local community partners to provide education, care, and confidence to children who may not otherwise have access to dental services.

This year, Fortis Colleges and Institutes are proud to continue that tradition by once again hosting Give Kids A Smile® events at select campuses nationwide. These hands-on events give students and faculty the opportunity to serve their communities while providing underserved children with oral health education and—on select campuses—complimentary dental services—all in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Because every community is different, event activities, dates, and services may vary by location. We encourage you to connect with your local Fortis campus for the most up-to-date details and to learn how you can be part of bringing brighter smiles to kids in your area.

CampusLocationDate Time
Fortis Institute in Houston NorthCampus2/12/2612-4pm
Fortis College in SmyrnaCampus2/6/268am-3pm
Fortis College in RichmondCampus2/5/269am-1pm
Fortis College in Orange ParkCampus2/6/2611am-3pm
Fortis College in Salt Lake CityCampus2/5/268am-4pm
Fortis College in MontgomeryCampus2/5/2610am-12pm
Fortis College in ColumbiaCampus2/7/26 *9am
Fortis Institute in LawrencevilleCampus2/6/2610am-2pm
Fortis Institute in PensacolaCampus2/7/2612-3pm
Fortis Institute in WayneCampus2/6/2610am-12pm
Fortis College in NorfolkCampus2/21/2610am-2pm
Fortis Institute in ScrantonCampus2/16/2612pm-6pm
Fortis Institute in Port St. LucieCampus2/10/269am-12pm
Fortis Institue in BirminghamCampus2/16/268am-11am
Fortis College in Cuyahoga FallsOff Campus: 1400 S. Arlington St Suite 38 Akron, Ohio 443062/21/26 *9am-2pm
Fortis College in CentervilleCampus2/6/26Start time 9 A.M
Lunch from 1-2
and 2-5 to finish day
Fortis College in IndianapolisCampus2/18/26Noon - 3pm

More About Give Kids A Smile®

The Give Kids A Smile® story began with a simple but powerful idea. In 2002, Drs. Jeff Dalin and B. Ray Storm hosted the very first event in a modest, soon-to-be-demolished dental clinic in St. Louis. With just 15 dental chairs pulled together, they provided free care to nearly 400 children—proving that even small beginnings can make a big difference.

It didn’t take long for the American Dental Association to recognize the impact of this grassroots effort. What started as a local event quickly revealed a much larger need—raising national awareness about the connection between oral health and overall health, and the millions of children who lack access to dental care. With the support of partners like the ADA, Henry Schein, Procter & Gamble, and DEXIS, Give Kids A Smile® grew into a nationwide movement.

Today, Give Kids A Smile® is the ADA Foundation’s signature access-to-care program for underserved children, with events happening throughout the year and an annual kickoff on the first Friday in February—Give Kids A Smile® Day. Across the country, thousands of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, students, and volunteers donate their time to provide free oral health education, screenings, and treatment. Since 2003, the program has helped care for more than 6 million children, thanks to the dedication of over half a million volunteers.

Fortis Colleges and Institutes are proud to support and participate in this meaningful initiative. We extend our sincere thanks to the students, faculty, staff, and community partners who help make Give Kids A Smile® events possible—your commitment continues to change lives, one smile at a time.

To learn more about the program, visit the ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile® page.