Colgate-Palmolive Continues Support of SAID, Solidifying Over 13 Years of Partnership

The Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID) is pleased to announce the continuation of their partnership with Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all. The 13 year partnership is focused on improving oral health outcomes in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. To date, Colgate-Palmolive has provided SAID with financial support, resulting in over half a million dollars dedicated to scholarships and mentorship programs for pre-dental and dental students. This ongoing investment is vital to augmenting the ranks of Indigenous dentists and enhancing health outcomes, with diverse healthcare providers leading to higher patient satisfaction and better care.

Janice Morrow, Executive Director of SAID, emphasizes, “While fewer than 0.2% of dentists are American Indian/Alaska Native, partnerships with organizations like Colgate are crucial for bolstering our numbers and advancing oral health in our communities.”

Colgate’s commitment extends beyond education to impactful outreach initiatives, including their annual Gathering of Nations Pow Wow dental screening event. Here, hundreds of Indigenous children benefit from free dental screenings, oral health education, and essential dental hygiene supplies.

Rob Wilson, Senior Vice President, Professional Engagement & Public Health at Colgate-Palmolive, notes “As the worldwide leader in oral care, and with our trusted Colgate brand in more homes than any other, we are contributing to and deepening our support to address a global oral health crisis that has far-reaching and significant impacts. We are proud to work with the Society of American Indian Dentists to help improve oral health literacy and access to oral care resources.”

Dr. Cristin Haase, President of SAID, commented, "Collaborating with Colgate and Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures is incredibly rewarding. We deeply appreciate Colgate’s unwavering support, which makes a tangible difference in the lives of students and children, strengthens our community of Indigenous dentists, and improves the oral health of our youth.”

Dr. Matilde Hernandez, DDS, MS, MBA, FICD, Director Professional Engagement and Scientific Affairs Colgate-Palmolive, added “Individuals in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities experience a disproportionate burden of oral disease compared to non-AI/AN communities. By collaborating with SAID, we aim to promote oral health literacy , education, and provide opportunities for Native American dental professionals to help improve health outcomes within their communities."

About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet. Focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, we sell our products in more than 200 countries and territories under brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, hello, meridol, Sorriso, Tom’s of Maine, EltaMD, Filorga, Irish Spring, Lady Speed Stick, PCA SKIN, Protex, Sanex, Softsoap, Speed Stick, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Murphy, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. We are recognized for our leadership and innovation in promoting sustainability and community wellbeing, including our achievements in decreasing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, saving water, conserving natural resources and improving children’s oral health through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, which has reached approximately 1.8 billion children and their families since 1991. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how we are building a future to smile about, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com.