RECEIVED

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Republic of the Philippines Dare:
HOUSE OF REPRESENTAT
Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRES: ar
First Regular Session | REISTRATION. UNET
gl 1366 Bile SAND INDEX SERVICE
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A DENTAL SERVICE IN EVERY RURAL HEALTH
UNIT THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND PROVIDING FUNDS
THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It was reported that nearly nine out of 10 Filipinos are suffering from tooth decay
(The Philippine Star, 87.4% of Pinoys suffering from tooth decay, 11 January 2014).

According to the Department of Health, tooth decay or dental carries and
peridontal diseases are the two most common health problems in the country. The DOH
said the Philippines lags far behind other countries in the Western Pacific region when it
comes to oral health. The country is next to Brunei as the worst in oral health

Dental carries are commonly known as tooth decay and cavity, while periodontal
disease is a condition where the tissue — gums, deeper supporting tissue and bone —
around a tooth or teeth become infected and swollen.

It is unfortunate that dental or oral health seems to be among the least prioritized
health-related concerns in the country, as a staggering 70 percent of Filipinos do not
visit their dentists regularly. Of those who visit their dentists, 10 percent go to private
dental clinics and 20 percent visit government clinics.

In 200, problems related with oral hygiene and malady also account for the
highest of incidence of absenteeism among school children, according to the records of
the Department of Education.

In view thereof and in line with the Constitution’s mandate of protecting and
promoting the right to health of the people (Article II, Section 15) and to undertake
appropriate health human resource development responsive to the country's needs and
problems (Articles XIII, Section 12), this measure proposes the provision of dental
service in each of the rural health units of the country.

For this reason, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Uy 4
ANGELINA “HELEN” D.L. TAN, M.D.
ath District, Quezon

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1366

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L.

an, M.D.

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A DENTAL SERVICE IN EVERY RURAL HEALTH
UNIT THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND PROVIDING FUNDS
THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and
promote the right to health of the people. Towards this end, it shall promote preventive
dental healthcare and provide effective services to address oral health problems in the
rural areas.

SEC. 2. Provision of a Dental Service. - There is hereby provided a dental service
in every rural health unit throughout the country. It shall be provided by a public health
dentist and a trained Barangay Health Worker who will serve as a dental aide.

SEC. 3. Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Health, in coordination with
the Department of Interior and Local Government, shall issue rules and regulations for
the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in
the Official Gazette and in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,