SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S.No. 832 
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Introdnced by Sen. Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
Explanatory Note 
Many of the dental diseases are considered as public health problems in developing countries. In 
the Philippines, such problems, exacerbated by the lack of proper dental health practices of the 
general population, have become serious national concerns. 
The ubiquitous effects of the magnitude of the dental problem can be translated in economic 
terms. Every tooth affected means two (2) days loss of productivity, lost opportunities, recurring 
pain and severe discomfort as well as increased cost of dental treatments. 
This bill seeks to create a position of rural dentist in every rural health unit to avert the loss in 
economic productivity of our people and to alleviate the discomfOli felt by those afflicted with 
such diseases. Considering that there are six hundred fifty-two rural health dentists in the 
plantilla ofthe Department of Health distributed in the twelve (12) regions, the creation of 
onedentist position in each of the 1,991 rural health units under the Department of Health, the 
priority targets of dental health services - pre-school children, school children, pregnant and 
nonpregnant mothers and other adults - will be adequately served.' 
While it will cost an additional P35 million a year in terms of personal services, the benefits to 
be derived from their services will be tremendous. An addition of 8,034,000 children, mothers 
and adults can be properly attended to.2 
With these positions, the ratio of dentist to the population will approach the standard ratio of 
1 :20,000 population, similar to that of physicians. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
"SONNY" . TRILLANES IV 
1 hup:l/www.virtual-asia.comlphlbizpakireportsIjiJeslhealthyh.pdj 
2 ibid. 
Senator 
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S.No. 832 
Introduced by Sen. Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
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JUL 16 r
t3:13 
CREATING A POSITION OF RURAL DENTIST IN EVERY RURAL HEALTH UNIT 
UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. There is hereby created a position of rural dentist in every rural health unit under 
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the supervision of the Department of Health. 
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SEC. 2. The Department of Health shall issue rules and regulations for the effective 
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implementation of this Act. 
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SEC. 3. The amount necessary for the effective implementation of this Act shall be 
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funded out of the appropriations of the Department of Health under Republic Act Numbered 
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Sixty-six hundred forty-two. Thereafter, such amounts as may be necessary for the continued 
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implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
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SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its puhlication in at lI:ast two (2) 
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newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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