This year, Dr. McNeight had the honor of doing exactly that as Chair of the Brevard County Dental Society’s annual Give Kids A Smile event again!
There’s nothing we love more than seeing our community come together for something meaningful.
If you’re not familiar with it, Give Kids A Smile is a national initiative through the American Dental Association designed to provide free dental care to children who may not otherwise have access to it. And right here in Brevard County, that mission is alive and well.
What is the Brevard County Dental Society?
The Brevard County Dental Society (BCDS) is a local professional organization made up of dentists committed to improving oral health throughout our community.
Beyond supporting continuing education and professional standards, BCDS plays a powerful role in public outreach. Their goal isn’t just to treat teeth; it’s to educate, advocate, and expand access to care for families across Brevard County.
Events like Give Kids A Smile are a beautiful example of that mission in action.
All three of our doctors are members of the Brevard County Dental Society and Dr. Caudill and Dr. McNeight have both been presidents of the organization!
What is ‘Give Kids a Smile’?
Give Kids A Smile is part of a nationwide program led by the American Dental Association. Held each February in recognition of National Children’s Dental Health Month, local dental societies across the country organize volunteer-driven events that provide free dental services to children in need.
Here’s what the event looked like this year:
This year’s Brevard County event took place at Eastern Florida State College Dental Clinic (Cocoa Campus). From 8am – 2pm, children ages 3 – 14 were seen on a first-come, first-served basis and received:
- Comprehensive dental examinations
- Cleanings
- X-rays
- Fluoride treatments
- Sealants
- Oral hygiene instruction
A total of 75 children received care at no cost to their families!
While the event focuses on preventive care and education, it plays a critical role in identifying dental needs early and helping families take the next step toward long-term oral health.
It Truly Takes a Village
Dozens of local dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, Eastern Florida State College dental hygiene and assisting students, and even Viera High School Dental Aide Program students volunteered their time and skills.
Eastern Florida State College generously provided the use of their state-of-the-art dental clinic, continuing their longstanding partnership in making this event possible.
The community also showed up through participation in the annual Tooth Trot 5K, whose fundraising efforts help sustain Give Kids A Smile year after year.
It’s a powerful reminder that when a community rallies together, incredible things happen.
Why This Matters
Oral health impacts more than just teeth.
It affects confidence. Comfort. Nutrition. School performance. Overall health.
For some families, access to preventive dental care can be limited by financial barriers or lack of resources. Events like Give Kids A Smile help bridge that gap, ensuring children receive essential screenings, cleanings, and preventive treatments that can change the trajectory of their dental health.
As an orthodontic practice that cares deeply about early intervention, long-term smile health, and giving back to our community, this mission is close to our hearts.
Community is at the Core of What We Do
At Caudill & McNeight Orthodontics, we believe in serving our community both inside and outside our office walls.
Dr. McNeight’s leadership role in this event reflects our commitment to supporting children’s health, encouraging early dental care, and strengthening the Brevard County community we’re proud to call home.
We are so grateful to the Brevard County Dental Society, Eastern Florida State College, and every volunteer who made this year’s Give Kids A Smile event a success.
Here’s to many more bright, healthy smiles ahead!
Haven’t scheduled your complimentary consultation with us yet? Let’s get started! Book your first visit at our orthodontic office in Melbourne/Suntree, Merritt Island, or Viera.
