February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and America’s ToothFairy is preparing for its annual Smile Drive. According to the organization, oral care products are a luxury that many families can’t afford, with some children sharing a toothbrush with other members of their households, or not having one at all. The Smile Drive raises awareness of oral health issues and collects oral care products for these families in need.
Dental practices can donate the products they collect in their Smile Drive directly to America’s ToothFairy or to a local charity of their choice, such as a nonprofit dental clinic, food bank, shelter, or after-school program. Since 2014, more than 1.2 million oral care products have been distributed through the Smile Drive. This year, America’s ToothFairy aims to exceed 1.5 million products total with a goal of 350,000 donations.
Practices that don’t conduct their own drives can still participate by donating to the Toothbrush Fund or by creating their own Smile Drive fundraising webpage. America’s ToothFairy receives about four toothbrushes for every dollar that’s donated. Or, practices can order toothbrushes in bulk from SmileMakers and have them sent to America’s ToothFairy at 4108 Park Road, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28209.
America’s ToothFairy also offers a special “Smile Drive Superstar” promotion for companies and dental practices that want to expand their participation. With a $500 contribution, America’s ToothFairy will provide resources such as t-shirts, bracelets, and charts and support to boost the Superstar’s impact and assist in setting up a meaningful educational event for the children who will benefit from the local Smile Drive.
Finally, practices that conduct innovative Smile Drives can enter the America’s ToothFairy Most Creative Smile Drive Contest. The winning Smile Drive host will receive a $150 Visa gift card. The deadline to enter is January 31.
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