Bacolod City will transform February into a hub for dental services, providing free tooth extractions, dentures, and specialized orthodontic consultations.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod officially designated February as Bacolod City Dental Health Month after passing a landmark ordinance authored by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. The move aligns the city’s calendar with the nationwide National Dental Health Month.
The ordinance seeks to promote oral hygiene and prevent dental diseases among residents of all ages. A key feature is the Balik-Ngiti Program, also known as the Libreng Pustiso initiative, which offers free dentures, repairs, and relining services to qualified beneficiaries.
Under the new law, the Bacolod City Health Office Dental Division will lead annual community-based activities in coordination with the city’s 61 barangays. The city government has allocated an annual budget of P500,000 to support these efforts.
Funds will cover oral health education, nutrition risk assessments, and routine screenings, ensuring residents have access to clinical care such as dental extractions, oral prophylaxis, and emergency treatments, as well as specialized services in oral surgery and orthodontics.
The City Health Office will maintain a master list of beneficiaries, while the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program will provide additional support for laboratory tests not included in standard primary care.