3M ESPE Dental and 3M Racing partner with ADA for National Children's Dental Health Month

Feb. 18, 2014
3M revs up for Children's Dental Health Month.

ST. PAUL, Minn.-- FROM WIRE SOURCES – When the engines fire at Daytona, not only will it mark the start of the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, it will kick off the fourth year that NASCAR star Greg Biffle is helping put good dental health for kids on the fast track.

3M ESPE Dental has joined together with the American Dental Association’s Give Kids A Smile program, ADA Foundation, Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ:HSIC), CareCredit℠, Church and Dwight, Oral Health America and NASCAR star Greg Biffle again to put good oral health on the fast track for young fans of NASCAR. Across the country, Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, is helping deliver the message to children about healthy habits like brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing, visiting the dentist regularly and making smart food choices.

During the 2014 NASCAR season, 3M ESPE Dental will bring the “Brush with the Biff” program to 11 racetracks, including Daytona (February), Texas (April), Richmond (April), Talladega (May), Kentucky (June), Bristol (August), Chicago (September), Dover (September), Kansas (October), Charlotte (October) and Phoenix (November). At each race, race fans of all ages visit the 3M display in the midway for fun family activities, education about healthy dental habits, dental care kits that include Church and Dwight SpinBrushes and ToothTune toothbrushes, and a chance to meet Biffle on race day.

In five race markets, the Give Kids A Smile program will race into local schools for fun-filled high-speed oral health education events featuring members of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion race team and the No. 16 3M race car. Through a grant from the ADA Foundation made possible by funding from CareCredit, more than 7,500 students will have an opportunity to learn about Biffle and 3M Racing and get smart dental tips that will improve their dental health, confidence and ability to pay attention in school. Participating markets include Texas, Kentucky, Bristol, Chicago and Phoenix.

"Bringing the vital message of the importance of good oral care to hundreds of thousands of race car fans is an exciting opportunity," said Tim Sullivan, President of Henry Schein Dental, North America. "As the exclusive professional product sponsor of the Give Kids A Smile program since its inception 12 years ago, Henry Schein is so proud to partner with the ADA, 3M ESPE and other program supporters, and excited about the visibility Greg Biffle and his amazing No. 16 3M Ford Fusion will bring to this critical issue throughout the racing season."

Biffle will shift the “Brush with the Biff” program into high gear at the Texas race in April, where he will race a special No. 16 Give Kids A Smile Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup race. When Biffle drove the No. 16 Give Kids A Smile car in 2013, he brought smiles to race fans everywhere when he took it to victory lane at Michigan.

“We’re excited to rev up the Give Kids A Smile initiative for the 2014 NASCAR season with an expanded program that will deliver the ‘Brush with the Biff’ education message to even more children,” said John Stefanick, Director, Industry & Professional Relations, 3M ESPE Dental Division. “Through our partnership with Greg Biffle and 3M Racing, we can bring new excitement and awareness to the important need for kids’ good dental health. And through our partners in the program, we can share the excitement throughout the dental community.”

In addition to following Biffle on the track, race fans of all ages can put themselves in victory lane with him. Just visit www.3MESPE.com/givekidsasmile to create a photo with Greg Biffle on pit road or with the race-winning trophy in Victory Lane. For more smart dental tips, visit www.2min2x.org, www.MouthHealthy.org and www.Facebook.com/GiveKidsASmile.

The yearlong ADA Give Kids A Smile education program, now in its 12th year, includes a national public service announcement featuring Greg Biffle and ongoing outreach to parents and children through dental offices, community events and media. Throughout the year, more than 1,850 Give Kids A Smile events will be held around the country, providing dental services to approximately 350,000 underserved children.