Tom: The condition you describe has several things that can cause the buds to not mature and to drop from the vine.  Some of the causes are lack of water, insufficient nitrogen, several plant diseases, lack of pollination, stress on the plant, mechanical damage, and insect damage.  This link will give additional information on causes.

http://www.njfarmfresh.rutgers.edu/documents/BlossomDropinTomatoes.pdf

I suggest that you consider how and when you water your tomatoes.  Tomatoes should be deep watered to establish a healthy root system.  You should also ensure that the plant has adequate nitrogen.  You should prune the dead buds from the plant and put them in the trash (not in your compose).  If you are still getting flowers on your plants the deep watering and fertilizer may help.  If the plant is diseased you should remove the plant, bag it, and place it in the trash to be hauled away.  I highly recommend that you annually rotate where you plant your tomatoes.  Here is a link with some advice and recommendations on growing tomatoes.

http://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/metro/sites/default/files/growing_tomatoes.pdf