GIVE KIDS A SMILE

The American Dental Association started Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) nine years ago. It is the nation's largest proactive approach to helping children from low income families who do not have access to care with their dental needs, including education, preventative and restorative care. GKAS takes place in every state. The program is supported by the California Dental Association. GKAS is an annual centerpiece to National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) and is observed every year on the first Friday in February, while NCDHM is celebrated during the entire month of February.

Western Los Angeles Dental Society (WLADS) has assisted in organizing a community GKAS event with the South Bay Children's Health Center (SBCHC) for the past few years. As a member of the WLADS board, Dr. Westernoff has supported these events by requiting volunteer dentists, supplies and monies.

In 2010, Redondo Oral Surgery volunteered a weekend day for no cost oral surgical services in support of the GKAS's annual event with SBCHC. The success of this program was through coordinated care with Dr. Megha Sata, who is the primary dentist at SBCHC.

We are looking forward to the next GKAS event on February 4th and 5th at the SBCHC new location in Lawndale. Drs. Johnsin and Westernoff along with the Redondo Oral Surgery team expect to continue their support in 2011 at their office in Redondo Beach.

REMOTE AREA MEDICAL (RAM)

Founded in 1985 by Stan Brock, this Tennessee based non-profit organization which initially provided remote medical services developed in the Amazon rain forest for the Wapishana Indians.  Since then he has expanded his services to remote and underserved areas throughout the world.
 
Recently RAM sponsored two Los Angeles events in August 11-18, 2009 and April 2010.  Approximetly 700 volunteers donated their time and talents to thousands of needy Southern California residents.  Each event spanned approximately 7 days and provided free medical, dental and vision care to approximately 8,000 uninsured or under-insured patients.
 
The first event was at the Los Angeles Forum and the most recent was at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena in April 2010. 
 
Drs Johnsin and Westernoff both have supported this charitable event by treating patients for their oral surgical needs.