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Secretary's Corner

Health Systems

DENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

Oral disease continues to be a serious public health problem in the Philippines. The prevalence of dental caries on permanent teeth has
generally remained above 90% throughout the years. About 92.4% of Filipinos have tooth decay (dental caries) and 78% have gum
diseases (periodontal diseases) (DOH, NMEDS 1998). Although preventable, these diseases affect almost every Filipino at one point or
another in his or her lifetime.

Table 1: Prevalence of the Two Most Common Oral Diseases by Year, Philippines

YEAR

Prevalence
Dental Caries

Peridontal Disease

1987

93.9%

65.5%

1992

96.3%

48.1%

1998

92.4%

78.3%

The oral health status of Filipino children is alarming. The 2006 National Oral Health Survey (Monse B. et al, NOHS 2006)
investigated the oral health status of Philippine public elementary school students. It revealed that 97.1% of six-year-old children suffer from
tooth decay. More than four out of every five children of this subgroup manifested symptoms of dentinogenic infection. In addition, 78.4% of

http://www.doh.gov.ph/dental-health-program

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twelve-year-old children suffer from dental caries and 49.7% of the same age group manifested symptoms of dentinogenic infections. The
severity of dental caries, expressed as the average number of decayed teeth indicated for filling/extraction or filled permanent teeth (DMFT)
or temporary teeth (dmft), was 8.4 dmft for the six-year-old age group and 2.9 DMFT for the twelve-year-old age group (NOHS 2006).
Table 2 - Dental caries Experience (Mean DMFT/dmft), per age groups, Philippines
Age in
Years

NMEDS
1982

NMEDS
1987

NMEDS
1992

NMEDS
1998

6
12

8.4 dmft
6.39

5.52

5.43

4.58

8.51

8.25

6.3

14.82

14.42

15.04

15-19
35-44

NMEDS
2006

14.18

2.9

Filipinos bear the burden of gum diseases early in their childhood. According to NOHS, 74% of twelve-year-old children suffer
from gingivitis. If not treated early, these children become susceptible to irreversible periodontal disease as they enter adolescence and
approach adulthood.
In general, tooth decay and gum diseases do not directly cause disability or death. However, these conditions can weaken bodily
defenses and serve as portals of entry to other more serious and potentially dangerous systemic diseases and infections. Serious
conditions include arthritis, heart disease, endocarditis, gastro-intestinal diseases, and ocular-skin-renal diseases. Aside from physical
deformity, these two oral diseases may also cause disturbance of speechsignificant enough to affect work performance, nutrition, social
interactions, income, and self-esteem.

Poor oral health poses detrimental effects on school performance and mars success in later

life. In fact, children who suffer from poor oral health are 12 times more likely to have restricted-activity days (USGAO 2000). In the
Philippines, toothache is a common ailment among schoolchildren, and is the primary cause of absenteeism from school (Araojo 2003,
103-110). Indeed, dental and oral diseases create a silent epidemic, placing a heavy burden on Filipino schoolchildren.
VISION:

Empowered and responsible Filipino citizens taking care of their own personal oral health for an

enhanced quality of life

MISSION:
GOAL:

The state shall ensure quality, affordable, accessible and available oral health care delivery.
Attainment of improved quality of life through promotion of oral health and quality oral health care.

OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS:

1.

The prevalence of dental caries is reduce

Annual Target : 5% reduction of the prevalence rate every year

2.

The prevalence of periodontal disease is reduced

Annual Targets : 5% reduction of the prevalence rate every year

3.

Dental caries experience is reduced

Annual Target : 5% reduction of the mean dmft/DMFT for 5/6 years old and 12 years old children every year
4.

The proportion of Orally Fit Children (OFC) 12-71 months old is increased

Annual Targets : Increased by 20% yearly

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The national government is primarily tasked to develop policies and guideline for local government units. In 2007, the Department of
Health formulated the Guidelines in the Implementation of Oral Health Program for Public Health Services (AO 2007-0007

(tel:2007-

0007)). The program aims to reduce the prevalence rate of dental caries to 85% and periodontal disease by to 60% by the end of 2016.
The program seeks to achieve these objectives by providing preventive, curative, and promotive dental health care to Filipinos through a
lifecycle approach. This approach provides a continuum of quality care by establishing a package of essential basic oral health care
(BOHC) for every lifecycle stage, starting from infancy to old age.
The following are the basic package of essential oral health services/care for every lifecycle group to be provided either in health
facilities, schools or at home.
TYPES OF SERVICE
LIFECYCLE
(Basic Oral Health Care Package)

Oral Examination
Mother(Pregnant
Women) **

Oral Prophylaxis (scaling)

Permanent fillings
Gum treatment
Health instruction

Neonatal and
Infants under 1
year old**

Dental check-up as soon as the first tooth erupts

Health instructions on infant oral health care and advise
on exclusive breastfeeding

Dental check-up as soon as the first tooth appears and

every 6 months thereafter
Supervised tooth brushing drills
Oral Urgent Treatment (OUT)
Children 12-71
months old **

- removal of unsavable teeth

- referral of complicated cases
- treatment of post extraction complications
- drainage of localized oral abscess
Application of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment

(ART)

Oral Examination
Supervising tooth brushing drills
Topical fluoride theraphy
School Children
(6-12 years old)

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Pits and Fissure Sealant Application

Oral Prophylaxis

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Permanent Fillings

Oral Examination
Adolescent and
Youth (10-24
years old)**

Health promotion and education on oral hygiene, and

adverse effect on consumption of sweets and sugary
beverages, tobacco and alcohol

Oral Examination
Other Adults (2559 years old)

Emergency dental treatment

Health instruction and advice
Referrals

Oral Examination
Older Person (60
years old and
above)**

Extraction of unsavable tooth

Gum treatment
Relief of Pain
Health instruction and advice

STRATEGIES AND ACTION POINTS:

1. Formulate policy and regulations to ensure the full implementation of OHP
a. Establishment of effective networking system (Deped, DSWD, LGU, PDA, Fit for School, Academe and others)
b. Development of policies, standards, guidelines and clinical protocols
- Fluoride Use
- Toothbrushing
- Other Preventive Measures
2. Ensure financial access to essential public and personal oral health services
a. Develop an outpatient benefit package for oral health under the NHIP of the government
b. Develop financing schemes for oral health applicable to other levels of care ( Fee for service, Cooperatives, Network with HMOS)
c. Restoration of oral health budget line item in the GAA of DOH Central Office
3. Provide relevant, timely and accurate information management system for oral Health.
a. Improve existing information system/data collection (reporting and recording dental services and accomplishments )
- setting of essential indicators
- development of IT system on recording and reporting oral health service accomplishments and indices
- Integrate oral health in every family health information tools, recording books/manuals

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b. Conduct Regular Epidemiological Dental Surveys every 5 years

4. Ensure access and delivery of quality oral health care servicesa.
a. Upgrading of facilities, equipment, instruments, supplies
b. Develop packages of essential care/services for different groups (children, mothers and marginalized groups)
-revival of the sealant program for school children
- toothbrushing program for pre-school children
- outreach programs for marginalized groups
c. Design and implement grant assistance mechanism for high performing LGUs
- Awards and incentives
- Sub-allotment of funds for priority programs/activities
d. Regular conduct of consultation meetings, technical updates and program implementation reviews with stakeholders
5. Build up highly motivated health professionals and trained auxilliaries to manage and provide quality oral health care
a. Provision of adequate dental personnel
b. Capacity enhancement programs for dental personnel and non-dental personnel

Current FHSIS Indicators/parameters:

a)

Orally Fit Child (OFC) Proportion of children 12-71 months old and are orally fit during a given point of time. Is defined as a

child who meets the following conditions upon oral examination and/or completion of treatment a) caries- free or carious tooth/teeth filled
either with temporary or permanent filling materials, b) have healthy gums, c) has no oral debris, and d) No handicapping dento-facial
anomaly or no dento-facial anomaly that limits normal function of the oral cavity
b)

Children 12-71 months old provided with Basic Oral Health Care (BOHC)

c)

Adolescent and Youth (10-24 years old) provided with Basic Oral Health care (BOHC)

d)

Pregnant Women provided with Basic oral Health Care (BOHC)

e)

Older Persons 60 years old and above provided with Basic Oral Health Care (BOHC)

Policy/Standards/Guidelines formulated/developed:
a.

AO. 101 s. 2003 dated Oct. 14, 2003 National Policy on Oral Health

b.

AO 2007-0007

(tel:2007-0007) Dated January 3, 2007 Guidelines In The Implementation Of Oral Health Program For

Public Health Services In The Philippines

c.

AO 4-s.1998 Revised Rules and Regulations and Standard Requirements for Private School Dental services in the

Philippines

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d.

AO 11-D s. 1998 Revised Standard Requirements for Hospital Dental services in the Philippines

e.

AO 3 s. 1998 - Revised Rules and Regulations and Standard Requirements for Occupational Dental services in the

Philippines
f.

AO 4-A s. 1998 Infection Control Measures for Dental Health Services

Trainings/Capacity Enhancement Program:

a.

Basic Orientation Course on Management of Public Health Dentist

The training program was designed with the Public Health Dentists (PHDs) as the main recipients of the Basic Course on
the Management of Oral Health Program. The training is expected to provide an in-depth understanding of the different roles
and functions of the PHDs in the management and delivery of Public Health Services. A training module was developed for
the basic course.

Researches:
a.

National Monitoring Evaluation Dental Survey (NMEDS).

The Department of Health (DOH) has been conducting nationwide surveys every five years (1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, and
1998) to determine the prevalence of oral diseases in the Philippines. Data gathered provide continuous information that
enables planners to update data used in planning, implementation and evaluation of existing oral health programs. The latest
NMEDS was conducted in 2011. Results will be available on the 1st quarter of 2012.

Existing Working Group for Oral Health:

National Technical Working Group (TWG) on Oral Health (DPO 2005-1197)
Member Agencies:

Department of Health (NCDPC, HHRDB, NCHP)

DOH- Center for Health Development for NCR, Central Luzon and Calabarzon
Philippine Dental Association
Department of Education
Up- College of Public Health
Department of Interior and Local Government
Department of Social Welfare and Development
Local Government Units ( Makati, Quezon City)

Print materials:
1.

Leaflets (Malakas ang dating Buo ang Ngipin) for Children, Adolescent, Pregnant Women and Older Person

2.

Training Module on Basic Course on Management of Oral Health Program

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Non-Government Organization Major Partners:

Philippine Dental Association
Fit for School, Inc.

(http://www.pda.ph/)

(http://www.fitforschool.ph/)

Program Managers/Coordinators:
Dr. Manuel F. Calonge
Chief Health Program Officer
National Oral Health Program Coordinator
National Center for Disease Prevention and Control
Department of Health
Manila, Philippines
(632) 651-7800

(tel:(632) 651-7800)

loc. 1726-1730

E-Mail : mfcalonge@yahoo.com

REGIONAL DENTAL COORDINATORS

REGION

CHD DENTAL COORDINATORS

CHD FOR CORDILLERA

BGMC Compound, Baguio City

Dr. Flora B. Pelingen

(CAR)

dayemanfbp@yahoo.com

CHD FOR ILOCOS

Dr. Artemio R. Licos
San Fernando, La Union
licosddm@yahoo.com
(Region 1)

CHD FOR CAGAYAN VALLEY

Dr. Josefino Flores
Tuguegarao, Cagayan
jess1958@yahoo.com
(Region 2)

CHD FOR CENTRAL LUZON

Dr. Blessilda Sanchez

San Fernando, Pampanga

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(Region 3)

bdsanch@yahoo.com

CHD FOR SOUTHERN TAGALOG

(Calabarzon-A)

Dr. Edwina Go

Project 4, Quezon City

Dr_edwina_go@yahoo.com

(Region 4)

CHD FOR SOUTHERN TAGALOG

Dr. Maria Gracia S. Gabriel
(Mimaropa-B)
dental.chd4b@yahoo.com
Project 4, Quezon City

CHD FOR BICOL

Dr. Elena Cortez
Lagaspi City, Albay
drelenacortez@yahoo.com
(Region 5)

CHD FOR WESTERN VISAYAS

Dr. Clodualdo B. Divinagracia Jr.
Mandurriao, Iloilo City
drcdjr_10@yahoo.com
(Region 6)

CHD FOR CENTRAL VISAYAS

Cebu City

Dr. Expedito Medalla/Dr. Phillip Yray

Jr.
paddymedalla@yahoo.com.ph

(Region 7)

CHD FOR EASTERN VISAYAS

Dr. Ma. Vilma Estorba
Tacloban City
Mavill7@yahoo.com.ph
(Region 8)

CHD FOR ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA

Dr. Manuel Isagan

Zamboanga City

09172063878

(Region 9)

(tel:09172063878)

CHD FOR NORTHERN MINDANAO

Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City

Dr. Fe Paler
febpaler_52@yahoo.com.ph

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(Region 10)

Dr. Memory Padua

CHD FOR DAVAO REGION
mems_bryan@yahoo.com
Bajada, Davao
Ms. Ma. Theresa Ronquillo
(Region 11)
matetrequillo@yahoo.com

CHD SOCCKSARGEN
Dr. Anna Liza Alo
Cotabato City
annaliza71@yahoo.com
(Region 12)

CHD FOR CARAGA

Dr. Ma. Carmela Mary Beltran
Butuan City
Maria_carmelamary@yahoo.com
(CARAGA)

CHD FOR METRO MANILA

Welfareville Subd., Mandaluyong City

Dr. Alexander Alberto

09158801332

(tel:09158801332)

(NCR)

AUTONOMOUS REGION FOR MUSLIM

MINDANAO
(ARMM)

Dr. Shalmalynne Ampatuan

Shall_dent@yahoo.com.ph

Cotabato City

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