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.
“Bagama’t may mga polisiya ang DOH hinggil sa pangangalaga ng dental health, mas maigi pa rin kung magkakaroon ng isang departamento sa ilalim ng DOH na nakatutok lamang sa dental care ng bawat Pinoy (Although the DOH has policies regarding dental health care, it would be better if there would be department under the DOH that only focuses on the dental care of every Filipino),” he said.
The lawmaker is advocating for free basic dental care, including oral check-ups, teeth cleaning, and dentures, especially 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 will start on December 2024 as an additional health package.
“Dapat sa susunod na taon ay mayroon ng malawak na dental health service coverage para sa mga Pilipino mula sa PhilHealth (By next year, there should be extensive dental health service coverage for Filipinos from PhilHealth),” Tulfo told DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa who agreed to the suggestion during the budget deliberation of the DOH.
Tulfo further pushed for the inclusion of free dentures, considering the common loss of teeth among senior citizens when they reach 70 years old.
Herbosa confirmed that the expansion of dental health services, including free dentures and tooth surgery, is being reviewed and will be implemented in the following year. (PNA)