DOH-7 Deploys Dentists To Central Visayas Towns

The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 7 started deploying dentists to some towns in Central Visayas last year.

Dr. Edsel Roseus Villas of DOH-7 Dentist Deployment Project during the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) said they already deployed seven dentists to some towns in the region, including Panglao and Dauis in Bohol.

We continue to hire dentists because a lot of municipalities or rural areas are still in need of municipal dentists, continued Villas.

Dr. Sophia Mancao, officer-in-charge Assistant Regional Director of DOH-7, stressed there is a shortage of dentists not only in the region but in the coutnry.

“Dental program was not given priority due to lack of dentists,” continued Mancao.

“Even in the Philippines, we only have few dentists because dental education is very expensive and it is very difficult. Dental clinic facilities are also expensive as a dental chair alone costs at least a minimum of P50,000 to P2 million depending on the feature of the chair,” explained Mancao.

She also said there were only a few universities that offered dentistry courses before. Now, there are a lot of universities that offer said course.

DOH-7 in partnership with Cebu Dental Chapter intensified its dental health care campaign to address dental problems of the people.

To create dental awareness in public schools, Cebu Dental Chapter goes to public schools to hold “Adopt-A-School” programs.

Department of Education (DepEd-7) chose six public schools for the chapter to visit and conduct lectures on dental health care for children, parents and teachers.

Said schools and the schedule of the programs are: Basak and Zapatera Elementary Schools on February 2; Carrreta and Quiot Elementary Schools on February 3; and Inayawan and Camp Lapulapu on February 4.

Aside from lectures, the children will also receive toothbrushes and free dental services such as cleaning, tooth extraction, and filling of teeth.

DOH-7 officials said dental health care should start in the family as they encouraged parents to teach children proper dental health care.

DOH-7 celebrates its 12th year of Dental Health month this February with the theme, “Kalinisan ng Ngipin Panatilihin, Ugaliing Kumain ng Masustansyang Pagkain.” (rmn/hfg/PIA-7/AGIO-7)