Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _________
Introduced by: Hon. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A NATIONAL ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Global Burden of Disease 2019 notes that untreated dental caries or tooth decay in
permanent teeth is the most common health condition
The World Health Organization believes that “oral health is a neglected area of global health
that could make a contribution to achieving universal health coverage (UHC).”1 According to “The
Global Burden of Oral Disease: Research and Public Health Significance by the Journal of Dental
Research, “3.5 billion is a number that should resonate with us—representing the number of people
affected by the burden of untreated dental caries, severe periodontitis, and edentulism worldwide.” It
further noted that the considerable burden of oral disorders and their impact in the social and
economic well-being of individuals make them an important global public health issue.
In the Philippines, oral disease continues to be a serious public health problem where the
prevalence of dental caries on permanent teeth has generally remained high throughout the years. The
National Monitoring and Evaluation Dental Survey, conducted by the Department of Health (DOH)
reveals that 87% of Filipinos or about 83 million suffer from tooth decay. Statistics further showed that
77% or more than 7 out of 10 Filipinos have never even been to a dentist.2 It was also found that “Oral
Care among the youth is another concern. Studies show that 98% of children aged three to five have
dental caries or cavities and that 20% of six-year-olds have never been to a dentist. Toothache is a
common ailment among school children and is the primary cause of absenteeism from school.”3
In this light, this measure seeks to strengthen the delivery of oral health services in the country
through the adoption of responsive and efficient policies in oral disease prevention and oral health
promotion by scaling up essential programs and increasing investments to make oral health treatment
and care more equitable and affordable for all Filipinos.
The bill proposes to establish a National Oral Health Program that will seek to improve the
determinants of oral health; integrate oral health promotion and preventive services with the general
health care system; and provide timely access to quality basic oral health care and treatment among
others. It likewise proposes to establish an Oral Health Service under the DOH to ensure the promotion
and delivery of quality, affordable, accessible and available oral health care in the country.
1
Strengthening
oral
health
for
universal
health
coverage
(https://www.who.int/oral_health/publications/strengthening-oral-health-for-universal-health-
coverage/en/)
2
Oral
health
matter,
The
Manila
Times,
February
14,
2017
(https://www.manilatimes.net/2017/02/14/business/health-industry/oral-health-matters/312367/)
3 Ibid.
July 4, 2022
3:42 pm
1104


One of the important features of the bill is the creation of an oral health unit in every rural
health unit throughout the country consistent with the objectives of the primary health care approach
in the delivery of health services under the Universal Health Care Act.
Oral health care must be seen as important by the government because oral diseases such as
oral cancer, sores, and infections are as deadly as other diseases in the world considering the fact that
even a five-year-old child can get severe tooth decay that affects his or her performance and wellness
at school or play, which is also true with adults. All of these can be prevented if proper information and
services are made available and more accessible to those who are not aware of how important oral
health is for the well-being of every people.
In view of the foregoing, the expeditious approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan
4th District, Quezon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _________
Introduced by: Hon. Keith Micah “Atty. Mike” D.L. Tan
AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A NATIONAL ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Short Title. - The Act shall be known as the “Oral Health Care Act”.
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – Recognizing that oral diseases are major public health problems
and oral health is integral to general health and essential for the well-being of every people, the State
shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which includes the
strengthening of the delivery of quality, affordable, accessible and available oral health care.
Towards this end, the State shall endeavor to adopt responsive and efficient policies in oral
disease prevention and promotion by scaling up essential programs and increasing investments to
make oral health treatment and care more equitable and affordable for all, especially for the
underprivileged, poor and marginalized Filipinos.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act:
(a) Basic oral health care refers to the essential promotive, preventive, and curative services
that include oral examination, toothbrushing drills, scaling or oral prophylaxis, filling of restorable
cavities and extraction of unsavable teeth, including referral and check-up of dental clinical cases;
(b) Orally fit child refers to a child who meets the following conditions upon oral examination
and/or completion of treatment: (a) caries-free or carious tooth/teeth filled either with temporary or
permanent filling materials; (b) have healthy gums; (c) has no oral debris; and (d) no handicapping
dento-facial anomaly or no dento-facial anomaly that limits normal function of the oral cavity;
(c) Oral health refers to a fundamental component of health and physical and mental well-being
that includes the ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow and convey a range of
emotions through facial expressions with confidence and without pain, discomfort and disease of the
craniofacial complex; and
(d) Risk to oral health refers to poor oral hygiene practices
CHAPTER II
ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM AND SERVICES
1104


SEC. 4. National Oral Health Program. – There is hereby established a National Oral Health
Program, hereinafter referred to as the Program, which shall have the following objectives:
(a) Improve the determinants of oral health;
(b) Integrate oral health promotion and preventive services with general health care system
particularly in the implementation of Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the Universal Health
Care Act and Republic Act No. 11148, otherwise known as the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay
Act” as well as health programs such as nutrition, maternal and child health, women’s health and safe
motherhood, adolescent, youth and elderly, tobacco and drug abuse, water and sanitation, among
others;
(c) Provide timely access to quality basic oral health care and treatment;
(d) Control risks to oral health, especially of the younger population;
(e) Reduce the prevalence rate of dental caries and periodontal diseases;
(f) Improve the oral health conditions of pregnant women and older persons;
(g) Increase the proportion of orally fit children;
(h) Make oral health treatment and care more affordable and accessible;
(i) Integrate the prevention of dental decay and basic oral care in health promotion programs
and feeding strategies;
(j) Incorporate prevention and basic oral care activities into the primary health care package of
services;
(k) Reorient oral health policy and planning away from a conventional model of restorative
dentistry towards a preventive model of care that promotes oral health; and
(l) Ensure the provision of oral health assessment, nutrition services and interventions at the
different life stages, topical fluoride therapy, pits and fissure sealant application, oral prophylaxis, and
permanent fillings, among other services;
SEC. 5. Strengthening of the Regional Centers for Health Development in the Provision of Oral
Health Services. – The Secretary of Health shall strengthen the Regional Centers for Health
Development in the provision of oral health services by undertaking the following activities:
(a) Provide basic package of essential oral health services for every lifecycle group such as
infants, pregnant women, children, adolescent and youth, and senior citizens;
(b) Provide outreach programs and activities in unserved and underserved areas of the country;
(c) Undertake public information and education programs to train the public on oral hygiene;
(d) Train and enhance the capability of oral health providers in both public and private hospitals;
and
(e) Ensure that monitoring services are extended as far as practicable, at the lowest local level
health unit


CHAPTER III
ORAL HEALTH SERVICE
SEC. 6. Oral Health Service (OHS). – There is hereby established an Oral Health Service,
hereinafter referred to as the OHS, under the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the promotion
and delivery of quality, affordable, accessible and available oral health care. It shall take overall
responsibility for policy development, standard setting, coordination, and integration of all oral health
activities.
The OHS shall be headed by a Director who shall be designated to provide operational
leadership, undertake coordination with stakeholders and ensure effective and sustainable
implementation of the Program. The Director must be a dentist of good moral character and must have
practiced clinical dentistry for a period of not less than ten (10) years with relevant background in the
area of disease prevention and control or public health for not less than five (5) years.
The OHS shall have the following units: Standards, Policy and Planning Unit; Research,
Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit; Logistics Management and Supply Unit; Administrative
Unit; and such other units as may be deemed necessary in the interest of the efficient and effective
delivery of oral health services.
SEC. 7. Powers and Functions. - The OHS shall exercise the following powers and functions:
(a) Formulate and recommend policies, standards, guidelines and techniques on oral health
services;
(b) Develop and oversee the implementation of the Program that aims to define and address
the oral health burden of the country. The role and obligations of government agencies and
stakeholders shall be clearly defined and shall endeavor to specify national and regional oral health
indicators that is responsive, evidenced-based and culturally sensitive.
(c) Coordinate and oversee the provision of oral health services in all hospitals of the national
government and local government units;
(d) Provide consultative and training services to non-government agencies on development of
oral health care programs and research;
(e) Initiate the formulation and conduct of basic, applied and operational researches for the
prevention of oral health disease and feasibility studies for the improvement of oral health care
delivery system;
(f) Coordinate and oversee capacity building in the development of human resources for oral
health in partnership with Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), academe, including state
colleges and universities (SUCs), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA), oral health professional organizations, students of dentistry,
dental hygiene and dental technicians;
(g) Supervise and coordinate all oral health activities of DOH–Centers for Health Development;
and
(h) Provide technical assistance on oral health in DOH–Centers for Health Development and
with the Ministry of Health-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM),
and local government units


CHAPTER IV
HUMAN RESOURCES FOR ORAL HEALTH
SEC. 8. Personnel Complement. – To ensure the effective implementation of this Act, the
personnel complement currently assigned for the existing oral health program of the DOH under the
Family Health Office of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau shall be transferred to the OHS. The
Secretary of Health shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Budget and Management (DBM),
address human resource needs by creating the additional plantilla positions for oral health
professionals and necessary personnel required in the Program: Provided, That deployment to
Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) shall be prioritized. It shall ensure that
salaries of oral health professionals in the public sector are competitive.
Human resource development for oral health shall be geared towards the development of
adequate, appropriate, competent and highly motivated health professionals and trained auxiliaries to
manage and provide quality oral health services.
SEC. 9. Capacity Development. – The DOH, in collaboration with oral health professional
societies, LGUs leagues, and LGU-based associations, academic institutions, civil society organizations,
and the private sector, shall formulate, implement and update capacity development program for all
health care workers providing oral health services/care and support at all levels of the health care
system. The capability of public health systems and facilities in the provision of oral health services
shall also be strengthened through the following activities:
(a) Allocation of adequate resources to ensure the provision of essential oral health services;
(b) Provision of relevant, timely, and accurate information management system for oral health;
and
(c) Build up highly motivated health professionals and trained auxiliaries to manage and provide
quality oral health care
CHAPTER V
ORAL HEALTH AWARENESS AND PROMOTION
SEC. 10. Oral Health Awareness Campaign. – The DOH shall intensify its oral health awareness
campaign and provide the latest and evidence-based information for the prevention and treatment of
oral diseases. The DOH, in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications
Technology, shall make full use of the latest technology to disseminate information to reach every
Filipino. The awareness campaign must increase oral health literacy and understanding of risk factors
associated with oral disease.
SEC. 11. National Oral Health Month. – The month of February of every year shall be known as
the “National Oral Health Month” throughout the Philippines. The DOH, in collaboration with the
Philippine Information Agency, local government units, dental societies, and academic institutions shall
lead the observance of the National Oral Health Month.
SEC. 12. Oral Health Promotion and Advocacy. – The Health Promotion Bureau of the DOH shall
develop a comprehensive oral health communication plan that will encompass promotion,
communication and advocacy of oral health across the life stages applicable for all settings. Additional
positions shall be created to complement the oral health services, patient’s education and public
health promotions. The DOH as the overall steward for health care, shall strengthen national efforts in
providing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to health development with emphasis on scaling


up health promotion and preventive care.
CHAPTER VI
ORAL HEALTH SERVICE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS
SEC. 13. Oral Health Program in Local Government Units. - All provinces, cities, municipalities,
and barangays shall implement their respective oral health programs in accordance with the National
Oral Health Program. Local government units shall ensure the delivery of quality, affordable, accessible,
and available oral health services in their respective health facilities.
SEC. 14. Oral Health Unit in Rural Health Unit. – In pursuit of the primary health care approach
in the delivery of health services, there is hereby created an oral health unit in every rural health unit.
The Oral Health Unit shall be composed of a public health dentist and a trained Barangay Health
Worker as a dental aide who shall act to promote preventive oral healthcare in the rural areas.
CHAPTER VII
REGULATION
SEC. 15. Incorporation of Oral Health in the Standards, Licensing, Regulation, Quality Assurance,
Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Facilities. - The Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau
(HFSRB) of the Department of Health shall incorporate oral health in the standards, licensing,
regulation, quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation of health facilities. Likewise, the HFSRB shall
employ Dentist IV and Dentist III positions to complement their human resource requirements.
SEC. 16. Prevention of Illegal Practices in Oral Health. - The Professional Regulatory Commission
(PRC) shall adopt an effective regulatory framework, in consultation with the Philippine Dental
Association (PDA), to prevent illegal practices in the oral health profession.
CHAPTER VIII
FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 17. PhilHealth Benefits. – The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) shall
expand its benefit packages for oral health services in both adults and children. The development and
expansion of PhilHealth benefits shall go through proper, transparent and standardized prioritization
process in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the UHC Act.
SEC. 18. Annual Report. - The Secretary of Health shall submit to the Committees on Health of
the Senate and the House of Representatives an annual report on the progress of the implementation
of this Act.
SEC. 19. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be
charged to the current appropriations of the DOH. The amount for the continued implementation of
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 20. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, in consultation and coordination with
appropriate
national
government
agencies,
non-government
organizations,
private
sector
representatives, and other stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the
effective implementation of this Act no later than one hundred eighty (180) days upon the effectivity
of this Act.
SEC. 21. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the


same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.
SEC. 22. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, executive orders and rules and regulations
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified or amended
accordingly.
SEC. 23. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,