United Way's Community Response Small Grants Program provided funding to AHEC, Southwestern Area Health Education Center, for the Give Kids a Smile Program, an American Dental Association-endorsed program.  AHEC through the Oral Health Bridgeport Initiative has coordinated a successful program each year since 2007 through which more than 1,000 Bridgeport and Stratford children have received donated dental services from 75-80 total dentists that have participated one or more of the 4 years of the program.  In 2010, 449 children have been seen by 63 dentists and hygienists.

The program is focused on providing free dental care to children with no dental insurance, however, AHEC discovered that many families were unaware that their children may qualify for HUSKY.  By partnering with the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, families participating in the Give Kids a Smile program are being helped with the HUSKY application process so that children are receiving the health and dental care they need to stay healthy and have a great smile!