Increase Access to Dental Care

Over $670,000 granted and access to dental care provided for 15,000 people since 2004 - 120 million Americans without dental insurance

Tom’s of Maine, the nation’s leading maker of natural personal care products, marks the fourth year of its Dental Health for All™ program by awarding $120,000 in grants to community dental health programs in six states across the country.  Total grant support for dental clinics since 2004 is now more than $670,000 and has helped more than 15,000 children and adults gain access to dental care.
 
Said Tom Chappell, CEO and cofounder of Tom’s of Maine, “Tom’s of Maine is pleased to continue its long history of partnering with consumers, nonprofit organizations, and retail partners to strengthen communities throughout the country.  This year our Dental Health for All™ program is providing grants to eight dental clinics.  The following clinics will receive funds for long term patient capacity improvements, operatory upgrades, and new equipment.”
 
 

Tom’s of Maine began the Dental Health for All™ program in 2004 in response to the Surgeon General’s report on oral health.  The study found that over 120 million Americans have no dental insurance. Many wait over 12 months for an appointment at a public dental clinic, and at those clinics, it is not unusual to see three-year-olds needing multiple root canals, extractions, and stainless steel crowns.  In addition, many millions more have trouble obtaining the dental care they need because they can’t afford it or because they live in underserved areas where dentists are scarce or nonexistent.
To do something positive in the face of this public health issue, Tom’s of Maine began the Dental Health for All™ program with two goals: to increase access to dental care and to educate the population about the link between oral and overall health.  Since its inception, the program has made a significant impact--retailers and consumers across the country have joined Tom’s in making over $670,000 worth of donations to dental clinics nationwide, helping tens of thousands of people in need receive quality, affordable dental care.  Together with retailers, dental clinics, and consumers, Tom’s Dental Health for All™ program has had a positive impact:
• 25 school- and community-based dental clinics have received grants from Tom's to increase patient capacity and improve or expand their patient services.
 
• Nearly 60,000 annual patient visits can now be scheduled.
 
• Over 238,000 tubes of free toothpaste have been given to underserved children and adults.
 
• Over 1800 dental offices have signed on to be Dental Health for All™ Professional Partners and distributed information about the program to their patients.
 
• The award-winning "Dental Health" episode of the Tom's-sponsored Healthy Body, Healthy Mind consumer health series has aired more than 150 times on public television in more than 106 million households across the country.
For more information about dental health issues and how you can support Dental Health for All™ please visit www.tomsofmaine.com