More than 500,000 children would lack access to dental care and preventive treatments if not for the nonprofit clinics that participate in the Dental Resource Program of America’s ToothFairy. As members of the program, clinics receive grant funding, educational materials, and valuable product donations that allow them to expand the number of children they can serve. 3M Oral Care recently provided a series of product and equipment donations worth $154,585.00, bringing their lifetime product donation total to the program to more than $2.25 million.
“Access to dental care is vital to the overall health, education and development of children,” said Sebastian Arana, President and General Manager of 3M Oral Care. “The work that we support through our long-standing partnership with America’s ToothFairy is essential for low-income families who rely on nonprofit clinics to access care and prevent decay.”
As the Title Sponsor of America’s ToothFairy’s National Varnish Initiative, 3M donated their Vanish™ Varnish and CavityShield™ Varnish to help prevent decay in at-risk children. In addition, the donation included hygiene products, dental equipment, crowns, adhesives and cements. The items were distributed to members of the Dental Resource Program, including FirstHealth Dental Care in Southern Pines, North Carolina. “We are so thankful to 3M Oral Care and America’s ToothFairy for their generous donation of dental supplies and equipment,” said Dena Hunt, Program Manager for FirstHealth. “These products will impact so many children and aid us in providing dental care for our patients!”
“3M is proud to support America’s ToothFairy,” commented Ann Bruck, RDH, 3M Global Scientific Affairs and Education Leader and America’s ToothFairy Board Chair. “Their resources and programs ensure nonprofit dental clinics are equipped to provide critical services for those most in need and make a difference in the lives of thousands of children each year.”
Product donations often make the difference between serving more children or having to turn them away. “The nonprofit clinics we serve rely on donations in order to make ends meet,” said Jill Malmgren, Executive Director of America’s ToothFairy. “That’s why product donations from generous sponsors like 3M are so essential to help the millions of families in our country who struggle to find affordable dental care. We are so grateful for 3M’s support over the years and for this milestone donation. We can count the number of children who have received dental care thanks to their support, but the impact on these kids’ lives is truly immeasurable.”
About 3M Oral Care
3M Oral Care promotes lifelong oral wellness through inventive solutions that help oral care professionals achieve greater clinical, professional and personal success around the world. Learn more at 3M.com/oralcare
About America’s ToothFairy
America's ToothFairy is a nation-wide nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, NC. As a resource provider, America’s ToothFairy increases access to oral health care by supporting nonprofit clinics and community partners delivering education, prevention and treatment services for underserved children. Since its inception in 2006, America’s ToothFairy has distributed more than $19 million in donated products, educational materials and financial grants to improve oral health outcomes for children and youth in need. For more information, visit AmericasToothFairy.org.
