PALM HARBOR, Fla. (22 Feb.) -- U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.) today met with kids from the HOPE Children's Home as they waited for free dental care at the dental office of Dr. David Bertoch in Citrus Park, Fla.

Congressman Bilirakis was taking part in the American Dental Association's "Give Kids a Smile" (GKAS), which promotes awareness of the importance of dental health and provides free dental services to low-income children.

"It is important that we raise awareness about good dental health for our children early on in their lives," said Bilirakis. "Dr. Bertoch and his staff are providing a crucial service for these children, who will benefit not just from the free dental care and preventative information being provided today, but also from the type of awareness being raised in communities throughout the United States during the month of February."

Every February “National Children’s Dental Health Month” seeks to raise awareness of good oral health beginning at a young age.

In accordance with National Children’s Dental Month, caring members of the dental community across the nation participate in GKAS, a day in which dental professionals provide free oral health care services to thousands of low-income children across the United States.

For more information on National Children’s Dental Health Month and “Give Kids a Smile,” please visit the American Dental Association’s website at www.ada.org.