The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines has announced plans to introduce mandatory licensing for dental clinics and centers across the country. This new policy aims to ensure the safety and legitimacy of dental care facilities, offering more protection for patients seeking dental services.
Undersecretary Emmie Liza Chiong of the DOH explained that this move follows the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. The UHC Act has included oral health as an important part of primary health care, making it necessary to bring all dental facilities under stricter government regulation. Chiong stated that the policy is set for approval within the month, after which only dental clinics with official licenses will be recognized as legitimate service providers.
Chiong noted that practicing dentists will be required to operate only in accredited clinics. Those who do not meet licensing standards will not be allowed to practice. This will help the public distinguish between genuine, safe dental centers and unauthorized clinics, similar to the rules in place for hospitals.
The DOH is also advocating for an increased budget for oral health programs. According to Chiong, the current resources for oral health remain limited, and additional funding is needed to support the new licensing system. Efforts are underway to revive the Oral Health Bureau, which would oversee budget planning and proper use of resources in the sector.
Another concern raised by Chiong is the shortage of dentists in the Philippines. The current ratio stands at one dentist for every 53,000 people, far from the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one dentist per 7,500 individuals. The government is considering ways to attract more professionals to the field, such as increasing salaries for dentists. Bills that would raise the salary grades for dentists are now being considered by lawmakers in both houses of Congress.
Tags: dental care