Give Kids A Smile started in 2000 as idea in the minds of a few community oriented professionals in St. Louis, Missouri, in response to the obvious need of the children of the area for dental care. Through the dedication of a multitude of volunteers and the support of schools, organizations, corporations, and individuals, Give Kids A Smile has provided comprehensive dental care to children since the first clinic in February, 2002. Clinics are conducted twice each year at the beautiful clinic at the Center for Advanced Dental Education at St. Louis University. Comprehensive dental care, home hygiene materials, education materials, lunch and fun are provided free of charge in an circus environment that generates excitement and joy in the children we serve.Soon after beginning the Give Kids A Smile project in St. Louis, the American Dental Association adopted the GKAS concept and established a national clinic day each year in February where over a million children are cared for and over $100,000,000 in dental care is provided yearly. St. Louis is excited about this national expansion of the services for children. Despite the national recognition and the ADAs annual clinic, St. Louis Give Kids A Smile continues to be the leader both locally and nationally in developing and implementing access to healthcare services. We continue to develop new and innovative delivery systems to address the needs of children.