Tom's of Maine Invites Mobile Dental Clinics to Apply for Funding as Part of 'Dental Health For All™' Program

Sponsorship Money Available To Help Clinics Bring Exams Into Local Communities

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Dec 17, 2010, 12:12 ET

KENNEBUNK, Maine, Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning today, mobile dental clinics around the country are encouraged to apply for $20,000 in program funding as part of Tom's of Maine's annual Dental Health For All™ program. A public vote in February will determine which five mobile clinics will ultimately split $100,000 to grow and support their programs. Dental clinics with a mobile treatment facility can apply at tomsofmaine.com and learn more about this year's program.

Throughout its 40 year history, Tom's of Maine has been dedicated to supporting local non-profit dental clinics that provide greater access to quality, affordable dental care. The 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 quality oral health care.

"Given the continued economic downturn, this year we decided to recognize the goodness that mobile dental clinics provide. So often those with the greatest need for dental care cannot afford transportation to a clinic or may be working multiple jobs," said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom's of Maine. "With the public's input and votes, together we can help bring dental exams right into the community to help make it as convenient and affordable as possible for people to take care of their oral health."

Dental clinics that are registered 501(c)3 non-profit organizations in good standing with existing mobile services are eligible to apply.

To date, the Tom's of Maine Dental Health for All program has helped make nearly 200,000 additional patient visits possible with $900,000 in funding provided to more than 25 school and community-based dental clinics.

About Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is a leading natural products company focused on oral and personal care. Tom's sells high-quality tooth paste, mouth wash, 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 40 years, Tom's of Maine has sponsored hundreds of non-profit efforts by giving 10% of its profits back to the community 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 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