Tom's of Maine "Dental Health for All™" Program Supports Smiles in Need for Struggling Families

KENNEBUNK, Maine, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Every day, thousands of families go without basic dental care - not even able to afford an annual cleaning. This difficult reality is especially urgent in states with the highest percentage of their population living under the poverty level such as Alabama, Kentucky, New Mexico, Mississippi and Washington D.C, according to U.S. Census bureau statistics*. This year, Tom's of Maine is directing its Dental Health for All program to help families in these areas and inviting non-profit clinics serving these four states and Washington D.C. to apply for a portion of $100,000 in funding.

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Dental Health for All celebrates the goodness non-profit clinics bring to their communities by sharing their expertise and working to alleviate the stress and health concerns of people in need. This year the program plans to award one clinic from each of the four states and Washington D.C. with $20,000 in funding to grow and expand the reach of their services. Organizations that provide free or low-cost dental care can learn more about this year's program and apply at tomsofmaine.com/dentalhealthforall. 

"Many clinics simply need additional resources to keep up with demand, especially during this struggling economy when people are faced with losing or forgoing health benefits," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "We often hear that dental care is among the first benefits to go yet it is vital to maintaining overall health. We encourage clinics in the designated states to apply for the funding and we hope people will alert local clinics of this opportunity."

Tom's of Maine has a decades-long commitment to supporting local non-profit clinics that provide greater access to quality, affordable oral care.  To date, Dental Health for All has helped make 200,000 additional patient visits possible with $1 million in funding to more than 30 school and community-based dental clinics nationwide.

Applications for this year's program must be received by March 15, 2012. Recipients will be announced in early April. Dental clinics in Alabama, Kentucky, New Mexico, Mississippi and Washington D.C. that are registered 501(c)3 non-profit organizations in good standing are eligible to apply.

* U.S. Census Bureau, Poverty 2009/2010: American Community Survey Briefs, 2010 Data, released Oct. 2011

About Tom's of Maine
Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care. TOMs sells high quality toothpaste, mouthwash, 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 over 40 years, Tom's of Maine has sponsored hundreds of nonprofit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to organizations that support human and environmental goodness 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 community organizations to support lasting, positive change that is good for people and the planet. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine.

SOURCE Tom's of Maine