Tom's of Maine's Dental Health For All(TM) Program Invites the Public to Vote for Dental Clinics That Bring Goodness to Those in Need

KENNEBUNK, Maine, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, Tom's of Maine is encouraging a public, online vote to determine which dental clinics around the country will split $100,000 in project sponsorship funding as part of its annual Dental Health For All™ program. Sixteen dental clinics around the country are featured at tomsofmaine.com where the public can learn more about the clinics, see videos about their inspiring and important efforts to provide quality, much-needed access to dental care and vote to determine which five clinics will receive $20,000 each in funding. Tom's of Maine has a long history of supporting local non-profit 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.  

The following 16 clinics applied for funding and were chosen as finalists based on the positive impact and achievability of the project submitted:

• Penobscot Community Health Care, Bangor, ME
• St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island, North Providence, RI
• Holland Free Health Clinic, Holland, MI
• Family Health Centers of San Diego, San Diego, CA
• Families First Health & Support Center, Portsmouth, NH
• Esperanza Health Center, Philadelphia, PA
• Boston Health Care for the Homeless, Boston, MA
• Apple Tree Dental, Minneapolis, MN
• Spanish Catholic Center, Inc., Washington D.C.
• Community Healthcare Network, New York City, NY
• Dientes Dental Clinic, Santa Cruz, CA
• Visiting Nurse Association of Fox Valley, Aurora, IL
• Manos De Cristo, Austin, TX
• Neighborcare Health, Seattle, WA
• Pacific University School of Dental Health Science, Forest Grove, OR
• Piedmont Health Services, Inc. Carrboro, NC

"Given the current economic situation, more and more families are dependent upon their local non-profit clinics for quality, low-cost dental care," said Kate Bussell at Tom's of Maine. "That is why it is so important that these clinics receive adequate funding so they can continue to play a vital role in their communities. We think that a vote will educate and engage the public about their outstanding efforts."

This year, Tom's of Maine provided each clinic a flip camera to help them shed a light on their good work and convey the lasting benefits to local families. A story for every clinic is told through videos posted at tomsofmaine.com, and clinics can keep the cameras as a way to continue sharing their efforts.

Since the beginning of the DHFA program, Tom's of Maine has helped make 204,000 additional patient visits possible.  Over 25 school and community-based dental clinics have received support totaling more than $900,000 in sponsorship donations.  Over the years, deserving clinics have used the funds for projects such as increasing patient capacity, improving or expanding patient services, and purchasing equipment. Dental Health for All voting concludes on March 12, 2010 with the winners announced in April 2010.

Tom's of Maine has a long history of supporting local communities with a focus on clean waterways, public health, the environment and non-profits focused on creating lasting, positive change. This year marks 40 years of donating 10% of its profits back to the community.

About Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is a leader in natural personal care with a long-standing commitment to supporting people, communities and the living planet.  For 40 years, the company has sponsored hundreds of non-profit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to the community and encouraging employees to volunteer by giving 5% paid time off.  Each day, Tom's of Maine employees contribute to high sustainability standards and their ideas from wind power to recycled and recyclable packaging 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/.

SOURCE Tom's of Maine