Iloilo city: The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) is urging Ilonggos to integrate oral health into their daily routines as an essential aspect of their overall well-being.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOH WV CHD Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang emphasized that poor oral health extends beyond cavities and bad breath, as it is linked to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and poor nutrition. Despite its significance, oral health is often neglected. This call to action was highlighted in a statement read by Oral Health and Men's Health Program Coordinator, Dr. Ramon Mateo Grecia Jr., during a recent press conference.
"This initiative aims to guide healthcare providers, local government units, schools, families, and every Filipino in prioritizing oral health as a critical component of overall health," Dr. Yumang stated. She further noted that oral health is now integrated into the universal healthcare program and is covered under the Benefit for Preventive Oral Health Services in Primary Care, as per Circular 2024-0034 of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
Dr. Yumang explained that this integration will help address out-of-pocket expenses and make oral health services more accessible, particularly to underserved communities and vulnerable populations. This marks a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Care. Filipinos can avail of Routine Preventive Oral Care from accredited PhilHealth Yaman ng Kalusugan providers. This program includes twice-a-year oral screenings, oral prophylaxis or cleaning, fluoride varnish application, and pit and fissure sealant for children or root surface protection for adults, for up to two teeth per year.
Dr. Yumang encouraged dental professionals and clinics, both governmental and private, to become accredited providers of the PhilHealth program. The DOH is also collaborating with public health dentists, schools, and communities to offer preventive services, oral health education, early screenings, and access to affordable oral healthcare.
Dr. Ramon Mateo Grecia Jr. highlighted that dental caries and gum diseases remain the top two oral health concerns. A significant challenge is the limited number of public dental practitioners. Some provinces lack dental program coordinators, and certain municipalities have no dentists at all. Grecia urged local government units to employ at least two dentists for populations of 50,000, while advocating for the DOH to adjust the target to one dentist per 20,000 individuals.
Dr. Revielynne Joy Dela Cruz, Oral Health Program Coordinator in Iloilo City, mentioned that while oral healthcare is accessible in the city, the challenge lies in people's health-seeking behavior. Many individuals only seek dental care when they already face issues. Iloilo City currently has 17 dentists available across nine rural health districts and barangay health stations.
