November 14, 2023 -- Millions of children across the United States have difficulty accessing the dental services they need to be healthy, leading to a higher incidence of tooth decay and risky infections that can bring life-long consequences.

America’s ToothFairy, an organization that increases access to pediatric dental services in under-resourced areas of the country, is excited to announce a new, no-cost way for dental offices to help improve oral health outcomes for children in marginalized communities.

Through Scrap-4-Smiles, a new campaign in partnership with CrownBuyers, dental offices can receive top price for their precious metal scrap while benefitting the nonprofit organization’s national Dental Resource Program (DRP.) The program increases access to oral health care by supporting nonprofit clinics and community partners delivering education, prevention, and treatment services for underserved children.

Since 2006, DRP members have received more than $25 million in donated dental products and equipment, educational materials, and financial grants that have helped them provide dental services and education to millions of children in communities where accessing dental care can be a challenge.

“The safety-net clinics we support are uniquely equipped to address the complex circumstances that prevent children from low-income homes from accessing the dental services they need to be healthy,” said Jill Malmgren, the executive director of America’s ToothFairy. “We have found that supporting their efforts is the most effective and efficient way to change oral health outcomes in communities with higher rates of poverty and in areas where there simply aren’t enough dental professionals to provide adequate care.”

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Children’s Dental Services (CDS), a DRP member located in Minneapolis, is largely reliant upon grant funding and donations to support free and affordable dental care options for more than 33,000 vulnerable children throughout the state ofMinnesota.

“Donated materials have continued to be very important to us,” CDS’ executive director, Sarah Wovcha said. “This year, support from America’s ToothFairy has made it possible for CDS to serve over 3,150 additional patients.”

TSC EcoSolutions, the parent company of CrownBuyers, has supported America’s ToothFairy as a corporate donor since 2012, and has served as the title sponsor of the Dental Resource Program for the past four years.

“We believe every child should receive the care they need to grow up with healthy smiles,” said Matt Sanders, CEO of TSC EcoSolutions. “I have seen first-hand the impact the organization is making and wanted to find additional ways to contribute that would also help our customers connect with their important mission.”

“We are excited about this offer from CrownBuyers, not only because it has the potential to substantially impact the number of children our DRP members can serve, but also because it will help build awareness about our organization within the dental community,” Malmgren continued. “The more people who engage with our mission, the better.”

For more information about recycling dental scrap to support dental services for kids in need, visit AmericasToothFairy.org/scrap4smiles.