MANILA: Senator Raffy Tulfo highlighted on Wednesday the need for a dedicated office within the Department of Health (DOH) focused solely on promoting and protecting the dental health of every Filipino. Tulfo, in a news release, cited the prevalence of tooth decay among Filipinos, with around 72 percent of the population affected as reported by the Philippine Dental Association. According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo emphasized that although the DOH has policies regarding dental health care, it would be beneficial to create a department under the DOH focused exclusively on dental care for Filipinos. The senator is advocating for free basic dental care, including oral check-ups, teeth cleaning, and dentures, particularly for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and minimum wage earners. In a previous hearing, PhilHealth responded positively to Tulfo's concern, announcing that free oral check-ups and teeth cleaning would commence in December 2024 as an additional health package. During budget deli berations, Tulfo urged DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to ensure extensive dental health service coverage by next year. Herbosa agreed to the suggestion and confirmed that the expansion of dental health services, including free dentures and tooth surgery, is under review and slated for implementation in the following year.