The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) recently provided a 3M-supported grant to Apple Tree Dental, located in Mounds View, MN, to increase access to care for more than a thousand area children in need.
“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,” said Jim Ingebrand, vice president, Oral Care Solutions Divison of 3M, in a recent press release. “Helping provide oral wellness is our heart and soul, so it’s very gratifying for all of our [90,000] employees when we can actually see the difference we make together through such programs!”
People want to help other people—and they want to know that what they give actually makes a real difference. In 2016, Apple Tree Dental provided more than 11,000 children with oral health education, preventive services including cleanings, varnish and sealant application, and restorative treatment. This grant for Apple Tree Dental will provide treatment for 10% more children with special needs this year.
“Ten percent might not seem like a lot when you’re buying something online, but that 10% as an increase in dental care could be another 1,100 kids getting access to critical treatments,” Ingebrand continued.
Ingebrand cited that “There are over 500,000 children eligible for Medicaid in our state, yet Minnesota ranks 50th in the US 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.”
Underwriting contributions like this make it possible for NCOHF to expand programming and provide valuable support enabling its nonprofit safety net clinical 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.
To learn more about getting involved in NCOHF’s Dental Clinic Resource Program, click here.