You know from the moment you walk through its doors that Gage-Eckington Elementary School, situated in the northwest section of Washington, D.C., is unique. Its 400 kindergarten through sixth grade students wear simple blue and white uniforms, and are greeted by a bright, expansive foyer overlooking the library below. "Open concept" classrooms—only recently renovated to reduce noise—still impart an atmosphere uncommon at most schools. You definitely feel part of a community at Gage.

Perhaps what makes Gage-Eckington truly out of the ordinary is that it's one of few elementary schools in the country to house a full -service dental clinic on the premises. In partnership with nearby Howard University, the school provides preventative and restorative dental care to all of its students throughout the year. Howard's dentists and dental hygienists provide these services, as well as oral health education, as part of the day-to-day curriculum.

Dental hygiene students from Howard University teaching children how to take care of their teeth.

Over 30 years ago, the District of Columbia made dental care and education a priority in its public school system, funding clinics in all the elementary schools. Over the years, due to increasing budget cutbacks, one by one these clinics have been forced to close their doors. Gage is one of only two such clinics left.

Dr. Kerry Maguire, Tom's of Maine Director of Professional Advocacy, with the dean of Howard University's dental hygiene school.

The good news is that Gage is still a lively clinic providing the highest-quality services to its students. The bad news is that it is doing so with antiquated equipment like this chair dating back to its inception.

How Dental Health for All™ Helps

The Dental Health for All™ Fund, with support from donations like yours, has enabled the Gage-Eckington clinic to purchase urgently need equipment, including two new exam chairs and an x-ray machine. Now the students will continue to receive comprehensive dental care they might not otherwise get outside the school.

Partnering for Education

Taking questions from Gage-Eckington students.

Another vital aspect of the Dental Health for All™ program is educational outreach. During our nationwide DHFA market tour, Tom's recently visited the Gage-Eckington School and participated in a schoolwide dental health fair. Two hundred students 2nd through 6th grade visited interactive exhibits and learned about proper oral care habits, healthy foods, and even enjoyed a toothpaste-making demonstration—hosted by Tom's, Howard University's dental hygiene students, and Whole Foods Market.

These children learned how taking simple measures to improve their oral health will help to keep their whole bodies healthy. You can also learn more about the link between oral health and overall wellness here.

The Dental Professional Link

We also spent time in D.C. with dental leaders at Howard University celebrating our partnership and discussing important oral health issues such as access to care. Working together, Dental Health for All™ advocates across America will continue to raise awareness of the need for quality oral care and education.

To partner with Tom's to support the work of clinics like Gage-Eckington through the Dental Health for All™ Fund, click here.