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By Stacie Crozier

Give Kids A Smile program planners nationwide are invited to share ideas, successes and strategies that will enhance future access-to-care events and activities at the second GKAS Promising Practices Symposium June 12-14 at ADA Headquarters.

The symposium, sponsored by the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, includes an all-new agenda, is free and offers participants 4.5 continuing education credits. Registration ends May 30 and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

"Last year's GKAS symposium provided our state's planning team with several new ideas on how to use our GKAS data to contact legislators, to effectively recruit patients and to increase awareness of the program to other organizations," said Laura E. Barnard, director of communications and public relations for the Indiana Dental Association. "We came home and immediately began implementing some of our new ideas."

This year, 200 Indiana dentists and 770 staff members who volunteered statewide treated more than 2,000 children through GKAS. In four years, Hoosier dental volunteers have donated more than $1.1 million in care for more than 8,600 children.

Ms. Barnard will not only be a participant this year, but a speaker, she added. She will present a breakout session on how a dental society can help program planners launch or enhance a GKAS program.

"Having the opportunity to attend the symposium last year made me realize that many groups are busy planning and working out all of the same details that we are dealing with," said Lora Mattsen, executive director of the Multnomah Dental Society in Milwaukie, Ore. "There are so many great ideas out there, it is wonderful to be able to all come together and share our knowledge for one common goal. I am looking forward to attending again this year."

MDS's one-day program this year treated some 350 children at 14 different sites throughout Multnomah County. "We also piggy-backed our children's health fair to treat an additional 100-150 children in February," added Ms. Mattsen. "Both of these programs have been incredibly successful and rewarding.

"Some of our concerns last year included transportation and follow-up care. I gathered additional information from the symposium to help us with these issues and we were able to implement them."

This year's symposium will open with a Thursday evening reception and a short presentation on advocacy by ADA legislative liaison Paul O'Connor.

The Friday agenda includes:

• "The Evolution of a Local GKAS Program," by Dr. Jeff Dalin, GKAS founder;
• "How GKAS Programs Can Raise Money," by Barkley Payne, ADA Foundation executive director;
• "Holding Your Event in the State Capitol Building," by Kathy Woodard of the Ohio Dental Association;
• "How Celebrity Involvement Can Optimize Your Local GKAS Event," by Paul Katz, chief executive officer, Commit Media; plus breakout sessions on connecting with local and state legislators; organizing volunteers; patients, transportation and other nuts-and-bolts issues; and involving the dental society to start or ramp up a GKAS program.

The program will also offer ample time for audience interaction and a question-and-answer session. After the program, participants can enjoy a slice or two of Chicago-style pizza, view table clinics and speak with presenters before the day adjourns.

On Saturday, participants can attend an optional half-day session covering media tips and spokesperson training by Leslee Williams, director of the ADA Council on Communications.

The ADA developed the symposium to help GKAS program planners launch, optimize or expand their programs in ways that meet their unique needs, said Nicole Stoufflet, manager, Health Education, Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations. "The ADA is also looking at this symposium as an opportunity to garner information from attendees on how GKAS can best help them. What types of programs, services or resources could GKAS provide to assist you? "

For the second year, the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation will sponsor the program. Last year more than 100 participants were able to attend the free program. This year, the DTAF has expanded its support so 200 participants can attend.

"Assisting with a symposium that promotes 'best practices' is a natural for the dental industry," said Gary W. Price, Dental Trade Association chief executive officer and member of the GKAS Advisory Board. "The Dental Trade Alliance Foundation aims to leverage programs that can have a positive impact on oral health. We believe our support will help expand the program and reach more kids across America."

"The Dental Trade Alliance Foundation is proud to partner with the ADA over the crucial issue of access to care," said Kevin Thomas, DTAF representative for the symposium. "The efforts of the many Give Kids A Smile volunteers, championed by the ADA Foundation leadership, is having a real impact on the oral health of many of our country's neediest citizens."

There is no charge to attend the symposium and the Thursday cocktail reception; Friday breakfast, lunch and pizza dinner, and Saturday morning breakfast are provided at no charge. Participants must arrange and pay for transportation and lodging. The link below provides information about discounted airfare and hotel rates. For more information on the symposium or to register, log on to www.ada.org/goto/GKAS and click on the 2008 Promising Practices Symposium link or call Tina Montgomery toll free, Ext. 4600.