Lawmakers in the Philippines have introduced a bill aimed at expanding access to affordable dental care through the creation of a nationwide oral health program that would be integrated into the country’s primary healthcare system.
House Bill No. 4691, also known as the Oral Healthcare Act, was filed by Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez together with Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre.
The proposed legislation seeks to address the country’s widespread oral health challenges, particularly untreated tooth decay and gum disease. Lawmakers cautioned that these conditions, if not properly treated, can lead to more serious medical complications and significantly increase long-term healthcare costs for households.
Romualdez said the measure is intended to elevate dental care as a core component of basic health services, with the goal of easing financial pressure on families while improving overall public health outcomes.
If enacted, the bill would establish a National Oral Health Program designed to strengthen dental services across the country, with a strong focus on underserved communities that currently have limited access to dentists and oral healthcare facilities.
The proposal also integrates oral health services into existing government healthcare programs, including maternal and child health initiatives, making dental checkups part of routine preventive care.
In addition, it mandates the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to expand dental coverage to include a wider range of services across all age groups, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for patients seeking treatment.
Local government units would be required to implement community-based oral health programs and establish dental units in rural health centers staffed with trained personnel capable of providing basic services. The measure also calls for stricter enforcement against illegal dental practices and the strengthening of professional standards in the sector.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts by the Department of Health to increase funding for oral health services, including plans to revive its Oral Health Bureau and address shortages of licensed dentists through improved compensation and workforce development programs.
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