The Department of Health (DOH) is urging Filipinos to maximize the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) Oral Health Preventive Package, noting that many members remain unaware of the free dental services available to them.
DOH Undersecretary Emmie Liza Chiong said the package, approved in December 2024, has been underutilized due to limited public awareness. She emphasized that preventive dental care is now covered by PhilHealth with no out-of-pocket expenses for members.
The package includes oral examinations, dental cleaning twice a year, fluoride application for children, and treatment for tooth sensitivity among adults. The DOH said these services are meant to prevent serious dental problems and reduce long-term health costs.
Gaps in Dental Services Nationwide
Chiong acknowledged that access to dental care remains uneven, particularly in remote and underserved areas where health centers lack dentists, supplies, and equipment. She noted that health services are devolved, meaning local government units (LGUs) play a key role in ensuring dental resources are available in their communities.
She also said the DOH is pushing to revive the Oral Health Bureau to strengthen advocacy and secure more funding for oral health programs. Currently, the oral health budget stands at around PHP 800 million, or roughly 0.14 percent of the national health budget.
Chiong cited data showing that nine out of 10 Filipino children suffer from tooth decay, highlighting the urgent need for preventive care.
Dentist Shortage and Fake Practitioners
The DOH also flagged a severe shortage of dental professionals in the country, with one dentist serving an average of 53,000 Filipinos—far from the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one dentist per 7,500 people. The agency is supporting proposals in Congress to increase the salary grade of government dentists to attract more practitioners to public service.
Chiong also warned about fake dentists and unlicensed dental services advertised online. The DOH, in coordination with the Professional Regulation Commission, is pushing for dental facilities to secure licenses to operate, similar to hospitals, to protect the public from fraudulent services.
As the country marks National Oral Health Month, the DOH urged Filipinos to prioritize preventive dental care and take full advantage of PhilHealth benefits.
