Leaders from Boston Medical Center (BMC), Shaw's Supermarkets and Tom's of Maine have announced a partnership to address the growing dental health crisis among the disadvantaged in Massachusetts and across the nation.
The unique partnership between Tom's of Maine and Shaw's has resulted in
donations totaling over $16,000 in cash and in-kind donations to help BMC's
Pediatric Dental Clinic and other programs increase their capacity to provide high quality dental health care to local children who are at or below the federal poverty line.
By providing educational materials to shoppers and space in circulars
promoting oral health, Shaw's Supermarkets has assisted in publicizing the
Dental Health for All program.
"We are thrilled to announce this support from Tom's of Maine and Shaw's,"
said Hussam Batal, DMD, director of the outpatient dental clinic at BMC.
"Partnering with members of the business community who understand the
national dental health crisis and are willing to help public dental clinics
confront the daily challenges we face is critical," he added.
"Public health research has made it clear that good oral health is very
closely linked to one's overall health, and thus Tom's of Maine is committed
to help improve access to dental health in the U.S.," said Tom Chappell,
Tom's of Maine founder and CEO. "We're inspired by the work done at Boston Medical Center's Pediatric Dental Clinic and by Shaw's enthusiastic
participation in the partnership --- together, each day we will improve the
health and lives of children in greater Boston."
