DT U.S. Edition, November 2010, Vol. 5, No. 22

DENTAL TRIBUNE | November 2010 News 3A The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation: America’s Toothfairy (NCOHF) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America have announced a partnership that will expand oral health-care access to millions of underserved children through Tomorrow’s SMILES and the America’s Toothfairy Dental Home Program. Tomorrow’s SMILES was created and initially funded by a gift from Dr. Ronald Goldstein, a clinician, author and lecturer. NCOHF has developed partner- ships with leading dental organiza- tions to identify caring profession- als in communities across the coun- try willing to provide promising at-risk teens with pro bono care. Through this program, eligible Boys & Girls Club members will receive comprehensive esthetic and restorative services, transform- ing their smiles, renewing their self-esteem and ensuring that they are better prepared for healthy and productive futures. In return, Tomorrow’s SMILES students will share valuable oral- health lessons with younger club members through the program’s Pay-It-Forward component, ensur- ing that good hygiene habits are instilled early in a child’s life. Through the America’s Tooth- fairy Dental Home Program, NCOHF will work with its national volunteer network of dental pro- fessionals to ensure Boys & Girls Club members can receive regu- lar, comprehensive dental care in a compassionate health-care envi- ronment. NCOHF volunteer profession- als donate their ongoing services to a child or children in need, giving them a “dental home” and laying the foundation for proper oral-health practices and increased opportunities for future success. “A beautiful smile can truly enhance a child’s life,” said Sharon Hemphill, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s senior director, health and life skills. “Through our part- nership with the National Chil- dren’s Oral Health Foundation, we can help our club members learn healthy habits that last a life time.” Fern Ingber, NCOHF president and CEO, stated: “We are proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, a celebrated national organization that shares our com- mitment to ensuring all children have the building blocks to reach their full potential.” “Our collaboration will not only expand access to life-changing care for deserving youth, but America’s Toothfairy educational messaging will give both Boys & Girls Club members and their caregivers the tools to establish healthy habits at home that last a lifetime.” Underserved children and teens will be identified through their local Boys & Girls Club and matched with a nearby NCOHF volunteer dentist to receive the care they need and deserve. All dentists and dental offices are invited to participate as Tomor- row’s SMILES and America’s Tooth- fairy Dental Home Program volun- teers by contacting NCOHF at (800) 559-9838 or info@ncohf.org. DT (Source: NCOHF) AD NCOHF and Boys & Girls Clubs of America bring oral health services to at-risk children Through Pay-It-For- ward, Tomorrow's SMILES participants help break the cycle of dental disease by providing oral-health education to younger children. (Photo/Pro- vided by NCOHF)