Events

Give Veterans a Smile

Give Kids a Smile

Bridging Smiles Across Boston

At the annual Give Veterans a Smile event, U.S. military veterans and their spouses receive free, comprehensive dental care at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

This student-led initiative provides a range of services, including dental exams, cleanings, X-rays, preventive education, and referrals for continued treatment in the community. Supported by more than 50 volunteers, the event is designed to help close gaps in access to oral health services for veterans and their families, many of whom lose dental benefits or lack sufficient coverage after completing their military service.

At the Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s annual Give Kids a Smile event, local children received free, comprehensive dental care, including cleanings, oral exams, X-rays, referrals for follow-up treatment, and orthodontic consultations.

Harvard dental students provided care by serving as both dental providers and assistants, and they also led interactive oral health education activities to teach children proper brushing and flossing techniques. To create a welcoming, kid-friendly environment and reduce anxiety around dental visits, the event also featured face painting and goodie bags as part of the day’s festivities.

At its inaugural Bridging Smiles Across Boston community screening event, launched in 2025, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine provided free dental care, including cleanings, exams, oral cancer screenings, and additional services, to more than 40 local residents who face significant barriers to accessing oral health care.

Organized in collaboration with the student-run ASDA and BRIDGES groups, and supported by faculty and student volunteers, the initiative highlighted both the strong demand for accessible dental services in underserved Boston communities and HSDM’s ongoing commitment to addressing oral health disparities.