Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIVET
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS 02 APR 2014
First Regular Session 3

House BiLL No, 4280

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

It was recently 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 periddontal
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 clini

In 2005, 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 Il, 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.

(py

CAPD

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


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no42. 80

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

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.

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,