3M partners with America's ToothFairy to help children in need

Why do people give to charitable organizations? Maybe they have a particular connection to an organization’s cause, or perhaps they know someone who has benefited from that charity. It could also just be the case of good timing-when they were ready to give, this was the charity they noticed. No matter the personal reasons for supporting a particular charity, one underlying truth remains: people want to help other people and they want to know that what they give is really making a difference.

“3M Oral Care supports the America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) because we believe in their mission, and we see the results they are getting through their many great programs,” says Jim Ingebrand, vice president, oral care solutions divison of 3M. “Helping provide oral wellness is our heart and soul, so it’s very gratifying for all of our employees when we can actually see the difference we make together through such programs!”

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In the case of a recent NCOHF grant, supported by 3M, to Apple Tree Dental’s Mounds View Center for Dental Health, that difference is treatment this year for 10 percent more children with special needs. In 2016, Apple Tree Dental provided more than 11,000 children with oral health education, preventive services including cleanings, varnish and sealants, and restorative treatment.

“Ten percent might not seem like a lot when you’re buying something online, but that 10 percent as an increase in dental care could be another 1,100 kids getting access to critical treatments,” Ingebrand says.

Underwriting contributions like this make it possible for NCOHF to expand programming and provide valuable support, enabling its nonprofit safety net clincal partners to continue delivering vital care to underserved populations across the nation, provide educational programs and oral care products for youth, parents, caregivers and pregnant mothers, and increase the number of children receiving dental services.

“There are over 500,000 children eligible for Medicaid in our state, yet Minnesota ranks 50th in the U.S. for Medicaid reimbursement rates to providers of children’s dental care. By partnering with NCOHF, we’re trying to do our part to help these kids get the care they need by providing funding and products to the communities that need it most,” Ingebrand says.

To learn more about getting involved in NCOHF’s Dental Clinic Resource Program, visit www.ncohf.org.