More kids can access dental care than a year ago, according to reports from safety-net dental clinics receiving resources from America’s ToothFairy, a nonprofit organization that works with corporate donors to provide dental supplies, equipment, and educational materials to increase access to dental services for children in underserved communities.
Each year America’s ToothFairy surveys members of their Dental Resource Program (DRP) to determine their needs, progress they’ve made to improve oral health in their communities, and how corporate partners can contribute so the clinics can provide dental care and preventive services to more children in need. The program currently provides resources to 53 nonprofit partners in 24 states.
A team member from Augusta Regional Dental Clinic in Fishersville, VA prepares a patient for dental x-rays during a visit to her school. As a member of the Dental Resource Program of America’s ToothFairy, the nonprofit clinic qualifies to receive resources that help them provide access to care for more children.
CrownBuyers, a division of TSC EcoSolutions, is the Title Sponsor of the program, and their generous support helps kids from low-income homes and those living in Dental Health Care Provider Shortage Areas access the care they need to have healthy smiles.
“The grants and donations have been a game changer for our clinic this year,” said Sophie Parson of Augusta Regional Dental Clinic in Fishersville, Virginia, where there simply aren’t enough dental professionals to service their community.
“With the cost of supplies on the rise, we were expecting to not be able to offer complimentary oral health goods to our patients enrolled in our school program,” she continued. “We simply could not include that in our budget anymore. It was a difficult decision since we know many children in our community do not have access to such goods. But thanks to America’s ToothFairy, every child coming through our clinic’s doors and participating in our school-based program has received a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and oral health education materials. This is huge!”
“Supply chain shortages posed extra challenges this year, so we’ve been helping our members focus on preventive services such as screenings and oral health education outreach events,” America’s ToothFairy Executive Director, Jill Malmgren commented. “This strategy not only helps prevent tooth decay but also identifies kids in need of services and in most cases connects them to a dental home to set them up for better dental health over their lifetime.”
“We were delighted to hear that members of the program served 15% more kids than last year,” TSC EcoSolutions President, Dick Sanders added. “In addition to that, in the last quarter we’ve distributed more donated products to DRP members than in the last two years combined. I and my team are proud to partner with America’s ToothFairy to help families get the services they need to have healthy smiles.”
In addition to financial support, Mr. Sanders serves on the organization’s Board of Directors to provide oversight and help connect them with resources to increase access to dental care and preventive services for the millions of children in America who might otherwise have to go without.
“Despite seemingly overwhelming odds, our members continue to break records,” Malmgren added. “We are optimistic after receiving a few large product donations recently that 2023 could be our best year yet. The support we receive from CrownBuyers and other generous donors makes our work possible. We are exceedingly grateful for them!”
To learn more about America’s ToothFairy and their programming to increase access to dental care and preventive services, visit AmericasToothFairy.org or contact Ms. Malmgren at info@ncohf.org.
About CrownBuyers
CrownBuyers, a Division of TSC EcoSolutions LLC, has been providing economic and ecological solutions to the medical and dental industry for over thirty-five years. Their crown recycling division has an outstanding reputation for fair pricing and excellent, local service. When you are looking for a dependable source to purchase and recycle your scrap gold and PFM crowns, give CrownBuyers a try!
Learn more at CrownBuyers.com.
About America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation
As a resource provider, America’s ToothFairy increases access to oral health care by supporting nonprofit dental 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 $23 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.
