Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
CREATING A DENTAL UNIT IN EVERY RURAL HEALTH UNIT UNDER 
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AS PART OF THE PRIMARY APPROACH 
IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTH SERVICES AND 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution mandates that the State shall protect and promote the 
right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them 
(Article II, Section 15) and to undertake appropriate health, manpower 
development and research responsive to the country’s health needs and 
problems. (Article XIII, Section 12).  
In a report by the World Health Organization, dental care is among one 
of the most neglected health aspects of an individual that has affected one’s 
overall health, well-being, and quality life. The Department of Health’s 
National Monitoring and Evaluation Dental Survey states that about 83 
million Filipinos suffer from tooth decay and that seven out of ten Filipinos 
have never sought the services of a dentist.   
With only less than 1% of Filipinos seeking treatment for dental care1, 
oral disease remains to be a serious public health problem in the country 
affecting the overall work performance, nutrition, social interactions, and self-
esteem of the people. 
1 National Demographic and Health Survey 2017 
July 27, 2022
3:17 pm
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To address the gaps and to improve the oral care and hygiene of the 
Filipinos, this bill seeks to create a dental unit each of the rural health units 
(RHUS) listed under the Department of Health. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is 
earnestly sought. 
 REP. PM VARGAS   
Fifth District, Quezon City 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
CREATING A DENTAL UNIT IN EVERY RURAL HEALTH UNIT UNDER 
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AS PART OF THE PRIMARY APPROACH 
IN THE DELIVERY OF HEALTH SERVICES AND 
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Local Dental 
Health Unit Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to pursue 
the Primary Health Care Approach in the delivery of health services and to 
undertake human resource development for this policy and to promote 
preventive dental healthcare in the rural areas as part of the Primary Health 
Care strategy. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – 
a) “Rural Health Unit" - also known as Main Health Center. It is
composed of a doctor, a nurse, and a midwife. Its function to
carry out the public health functions of the Department of Health
which includes both preventive and curative health care.
b) “Dental Unit” - composed of a public health dentist and a trained
Barangay Health Worker as a dental aide.
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SECTION 4. Creation of a Dental Unit in every Rural Health Unit. – As 
part of the Primary Health Care Approach, there is hereby created a dental 
unit in every rural health unit under the supervision of the Department of 
Health. 
 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations – The Department of 
Health, in coordination with local government units, shall issue the necessary 
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within six (6) 
months of the effectivity hereof. 
 
SECTION 6. Funding. – The amount necessary for the initial implementation 
of this Act shall be funded from the current fiscal year’s appropriation for the 
Department of Health. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act shall 
be held unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.  
 
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,