America’s ToothFairy

Imagine you’re a child feeling the pain of a severe toothache. Now imagine being the parent of that child, feeling paralyzed because you can’t afford the dental care you need to put a stop to your child’s pain. This is a reality for many American families today.

 

Pediatric dental disease, or severe tooth decay, is the most prevalent chronic disease affecting children in the USA. That’s one of the reasons why the Richmond Dental and Medical team is so proud to support America’s ToothFairy, a nonprofit working to ensure that all children can access dental care through education, funding for low-income families, and the distribution of basic oral hygiene products. Another reason we’re so proud to support America’s ToothFairy? They’re located right here in our hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

America's ToothFairy: National Children's Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF) was founded in 2006 by Cherilyn Sheets, DDS, and Fern Ingber, a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist. America’s ToothFairy is a collaborative effort between clinicians, academics, corporate leaders, and caring individuals. Since 2006, the organization has provided over $21 million in donated dental products and equipment, educational materials, financial grants, and programming to nonprofit dentists and community partners. Since 2014, almost 2 million oral care products have been given to families in need through the organization’s Smile Drive campaign. More than seven million children have received oral health care and education from America’s ToothFairy thanks in large part to the generosity of individual donors.

 

Behind the impressive numbers is a powerful vision: a country in which every child has the healthy smile that he or she deserves. America’s ToothFairy and its community partners are working hard to make this vision a reality. But, despite being the wealthiest country in the world, the U.S. has a long way to go. Currently, one in every 16 U.S. children has no access to professional dental care due to financial circumstances – and that’s not to mention those who have some access, but not an adequate amount. In addition, more than 40 percent of U.S. children have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten.

 

These statistics may be startling, but we’re not powerless to change them. In fact, you can easily do your part by making an online donation at www.americastoothfairy.org. 100 percent of donations received through the website go directly to supporting America’s ToothFairy’s programs, so you know your money is going straight to the children and families who need it most.

 

Pediatric dental disease is one of the major challenges keeping our children from becoming healthy, happy, and productive students and citizens of the world. But together, we can tackle this challenge head-on. Join Richmond Dental in supporting Charlotte-based nonprofit America’s ToothFairy today.