Team up with the Arizona Diamondbacks the Arizona Dental Foundation and the Give Kids A Smile® Aftercare Program as we work to provide dental care for less fortunate children.

Give Kids a Smile Day is AzDA's most ambitious ongoing project. In 2007, 1,000 children aged 6-12 received over $400,000 in donated care. AzDA member dentists partner with local schools and community groups throughout the state to identify children whose parents cannot qualify for dental care. In recognition of this American Dental Association's access to care campaign, volunteer dental professionals provide free restorative care consisting of fillings, crowns, extractions and yes, even root canals.

Why do we do this? Because:

• About 51 million hours of school are lost each year due to dental problems.
• 31% of Arizona children have never had a dental check-up.
• Of 22 states with oral health data, Arizona ranks third highest (almost 39%) in the proportion of third grade children with untreated tooth decay.
• For every $10 spent on prevention of oral health problems, an estimated $8-$50 can be saved in restorative and emergency treatment.
• Only about half of Arizona's population receive fluoridated water and are lacking in preventable transmission and repair of dental caries.

For every ticket sold to this game in support of the Give Kids a Smile® Aftercare Program, a portion will be given back to the program to help Valley children receive needed follow-up dental care at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health Dental Clinics.

So join us for a great cause and a great time on September 26, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. for the Padres vs. D-backs game.