Tom's of Maine supports smiles in need, encourages nonprofit clinics to apply for grants

KENNEBUNK, Maine — Tom's of Maine, a maker of natural personal care products, is directing its Dental Health for All program to help families in states with the highest percentage of their population living under the poverty level and is inviting nonprofit clinics serving those four states and Washington, D.C., to apply for a portion of $100,000 in funding.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau statistics, the states with the highest percentage of their population living under the poverty level include Alabama, Kentucky, New Mexico, Mississippi and Washington, D.C. 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.

"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," stated 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."

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. Recipients will be announced in early April.