SLIDELL, LA, October 06, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dental professional Christopher Braud is no stranger to volunteer work. The 26 year old has already spent many years involved in volunteer and charity organizations of all different stripes, from Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life to youth outreach programs and food pantries throughout the community and the greater New Orleans area. One of Christopher Braud's favorite volunteer opportunities comes around just once a year, however, and it is only a few months away from happening again in 2014. Each year, the American Dental Association sponsors the Give Kids A Smile program, a nationwide effort to provide services to underprivileged youth without dental coverage. As a member of the ADA, Christopher Braud has participated in the past, and plans to participate again this year.

The Give Kids A Smile program began in 2003, when members of the ADA came together with an idea. This idea was a simple one: to provide kids whose parents did not have the means to give them good dental coverage with free treatment, including screenings, basic dental services, and dental health education. Now in its 12th year, the Give Kids A Smile program has grown into a major annual event, with 40,000 dental professionals such as Christopher Braud volunteering their time and services to assist over 450,000 kids. The program has its main annual event each February, with participation in over 1500 locations across the country.

Christopher Braud participated in 2013 and quickly realized the immense value of the program for underprivileged youths. "The Give Kids A Smile program really opened my eyes in a lot of ways," says Christopher Braud. "I got to see first-hand how much difference one person could make in just a few hours in the lives of these kids. Whether it be screenings, education, or treatment options, I was able to help many young people who would otherwise have probably gone untreated. I felt really humbled by the experience and resolved to do more to help those without the same kinds of options in the future. I fully intend to support the Give Kids A Smile program this year and every year of my life going forward."

The Give Kids A Smile program has made a big difference in its 12 years, giving kids without proper dental care a chance to empower themselves through education, and a chance to get the treatment they need. The program is funded in large part by donations from individuals and businesses, says Christopher Braud, and he urges those who care about the cause to go to the ADA website and donate to this year's program. "Donations help keep the program alive and running, doing its great work, helping kids, and making a difference in communities around the country. Donating even a little bit can help make a big difference."

This year's Give Kids A Smile Day is February 7, 2014, according to Christopher Braud. The event is expected to help nearly half a million kids this year, which would be a new record for the program.

About: Christopher Braud is a dental professional practicing in Slidell, LA.