KENNEBUNK, Maine, Feb. 2, 2011 — Online voting begins today for Tom's of Maine's annual Dental Health for All™ (DHFA) program at www.tomsofmaine.com. A public vote will decide which five mobile dental clinics, among the 10 listed below, will split $100,000 to help grow and support programs that offer critical, easy-to-access dental care to those in need. Tom's of Maine is working to make a significant impact in reaching families and individuals who are going without dental coverage or who are unable to afford a yearly exam.
Tom's of Maine has a long history of supporting local nonprofit dental clinics that provide greater access to quality, affordable dental care. Its Dental Health for All™ program was created to award dental clinics that make a difference in their communities by ensuring underserved communities have access to oral health care. What's new in 2011 is the focus on "Goodness to Go," bringing funding and services directly to the people who need it most via mobile dental programs.
The following 10 mobile dental clinics are finalists in the 2011 Dental Health for All™ program:
- Innis Community Health Center: "SMILES TO GO" Mobile Dental Program — Innis, LA
- Kids In Need of Dentistry-KIND — Denver, CO
- Jewish Renaissance Medical Center — Perth Amboy, NJ
- Apple Tree Dental — Minneapolis, MN
- St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network — Bethlehem, PA
- St. Mary's Mobile Dental Care for Kids — Evansville, IN
- Children's Hospital New Orleans Tooth Bus — New Orleans, LA
- St. Joseph Health System - Sonoma County Cultivating Health Mobile Dental Clinic — Santa Rosa, CA
- Children's Health Fund — New York City, NY
- Metropolitan Development Council — Tacoma, WA
"The public has a keen insight into where dental services are needed within their neighborhoods," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "That's why we continue to embrace public input for our Dental Health for All program. These clinics are leaders in providing dental care in the field to those that need it most, those who cannot afford it and those who may not be able to get to a traditional clinic easily."
To date, the Tom's of Maine Dental Health for All program has helped make nearly 200,000 additional patient visits possible with $900,000 in funding provided to more than 25 school and community-based dental clinics.
All finalist clinics have indicated they are registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in good standing. Vote up to five times each day at www.tomsofmaine.com for up to five clinics throughout the month of February. Check back in March or follow TOMs on Facebook to see the winner's announcement first!
Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care. TOMs sells high-quality tooth paste, mouth wash, dental floss, deodorant, bar soap, and body wash products. The company has a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet. For 40 years, Tom's of Maine has sponsored hundreds of non-profit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to the community and encouraging employees to use 5% (12 days) of employee time to volunteer. Tom's of Maine employees regularly contribute suggestions for improving the company's high sustainability standards. And their ideas, from wind power to ways to improve recycled and recyclable packaging options, are critical to the company's sensitive way of doing business. Tom's of Maine enjoys partnering with its consumers, vendors and many community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for the earth and us all. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com.
