OHA Welcomes Cadbury Adams USA LLC as New SAA Sponsor

May 10, 2005

Chicago, IL—Smiles Across America's new corporate sponsor Cadbury Adams USA LLC announced its support of OHA through the Trident® sugarless gum brand at a partnership kick-off event on May 10. Smiles Across America advances public awareness of and access to oral health care through ongoing educational programs and services for school children. Cadbury Adams is sponsoring Smiles Across America events in Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul.

In Chicago , OHA provides resources and visibility to the Chicago Department of Public Health's program in the Chicago Public Schools, targeted to reach 437 schools in Fall 2005.

"There's a growing necessity to help underserved and uninsured children achieve better oral health care," said Vicky Lozano, Vice President, Gum Portfolio, Cadbury Adams USA LLC. "We understand our inherent role in this pursuit and will continue to support causes like 'Smiles Across America' to help children enjoy the life-long benefits of good oral health."

A new Trident Omnibus survey of 1,165 adults (18 years and older) with children in their household offers the following:

• Understanding of Oral Health : Parents do understand the importance of good oral health for their children. A reported 92 percent of the surveyed parents confirm taking the time to teach their children about proper oral health. Over 83 percent of respondents said that daily oral health care is of more or equal importance than daily exercise. Black respondents were more likely to state that daily oral health care is more important (over 60 percent) than daily exercise as compared to 38 percent of white respondents. White respondents, in turn, were more likely to state (45 percent) that daily oral health care was of equal importance to daily exercise.

• Obstacles to Action : Unfortunately, not every parent is able to obtain appropriate oral health care for his or her child. The survey suggests that an estimated 11.6 million U.S. families do not seek out oral health care for children at least once a year, and the percentages are slightly higher for families with children five-years-old and younger, and also for those with children aged twelve or older. The survey shows that almost 22 million families with children are without dental insurance. This lack of insurance, combined with the high cost of dental care, is a significant barrier for many families—especially lower income families.

• Employee Dental Coverage : Respondents (78 percent), especially those aged 18-34 (85 percent), believe that dental coverage, like medical coverage, should be a mandatory benefit offered to employees.

The margin of error for this sample size is +/- 2.9% at the 95% confidence interval. The results of this survey are weighted to represent the U.S. Population 18 years of age or older with children in the household (78,600,000).

"The Smiles Across America program reflects our commitment to improving the state of oral care in our country today," said OHA President Robert Klaus . "We see the partnership as an innovative strategy to proactively provide education and services to those who need it most."

Oral Health America is the nation's premier independent organization devoted to oral health.

Smiles Across America program partners in attendance at the Trident sponsorship event include: Dr. John Wilhelm, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH); Mary Pat Burgess, CDPH Program Director; Joan Klaus, Bank One; Denise Taylor, Campaign to Expand Community Schools; Robert Klaus, Oral Health America; Lauren Zucchi-Alfano, Cadbury Adams/Trident; Beth Swanson, Chicago Public Schools; Carolyn Van Eck, GC America; Randy Grove, Chicago Dental Society; Laurel Schumm, Ronald McDonald House Charities; Tawa Jogunosimi , Chicago Public Schools; Dr. Twana Edwards, program dentist; Rose Butler Hayes, Chicago Public Schools. Funder/supporter organizations not pictured include: Patterson Foundation, Michael Reese Health Trust, Harris Bank, Steans Family Foundation, Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, DNTLWorks Equipment Corp., 3-M ESPE, DENTSPLY, Sunstar Butler, Ivoclar, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CONTACT

Elizabeth Rogers, (312) 836-9900

Oral Health America is the only national, independent 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to improving oral health for all Americans