Kids receives free dental care

DAVAO ORIENTAL, February 11, 2016 – More than one hundred fifty preschoolers and daycare pupils here received free dental and oral health care during the Provincial Government’s kick-off celebration of the National Oral Health Month last February 2, 2016.

Held at the Provincial Capitol, public health dentists from different municipalities here in the province provided the kids free dental services such as a traumatic restorative treatment for dental caries and application of sealant and fluoride treatment.

During the activity, the kids were taught the importance of oral health hygiene and the proper way of brushing the teeth through a mass tooth brushing drill.

Dr. Jereme Yuson, Head of the Planning Department of the Provincial Health Office said that the Oral Health Month is a campaign to help improve oral health in the communities.

She said that by observing this celebration and with the government pouring a portion of it's resources for this sector, ‘we are one step closer in making a difference in our community’ by reducing the number of adults and children with untreated dental disease.

The month-long celebration, said Yuson, also brings together all committed dental and health care providers and educators to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining good oral health, particularly on children, through oral health education, prevention, and treatment.

“Despite the fact that tooth decay is almost entirely preventable, it is also the most common chronic oral health disease in children. The good news is that there are ways to prevent tooth decay and cavities,” said Yuson, noting the importance of oral health hygiene.

Bannered with the theme “Kalinisan ng Ngipin Laging Panatilihin, Ugaliing Kumain ng Masustansyang Pagkain”, Dr. Raul S. Delosa, Oral Health Program Manager of the Department of Health in region eleven, underscored that common oral health problems such as dental caries and periodontal disease can easily be prevented not only by means of maintaining good oral health but also through the intake of nutritious foods.

A priority program of the DOH, the Oral Health Program is now being strongly pushed throughout the country, wherein dentists are mobilized to improve the dental health of the communities. This is done by delivering oral health care and providing dental health education and disease prevention into communities.

Delosa further emphasized the significance of educating the public on the importance of keeping oral health particularly in underserved communities.

Aside from children, Delosa said that oral health is a subject that cuts across different age and groups. He emphasized its significance on pregnant mothers, the elderly, and adults.

Spearheaded by the Provincial Government in joint collaboration with the City of Mati Division of the Department of Education and Public Health Dentists of Davao Oriental, other stakeholders of the Oral Health Program in the province include the Philippine Dental Association – North Davao Chapter, DOH, and the Philippine Army’s 701st Brigade. (PIO)