DOH reminds public to avail themselves of PhilHealth’s dental services

MANILA, Philippines, February 18 ------ The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reminded the public to avail themselves of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s (PhilHealth) outpatient dental benefits worth up to P1,000 per member, which is part of their primary care package.

In an episode of DZMM Teleradyo, DOH officials urged listeners to take advantage of the benefits, emphasizing that prevention is important since advanced dental issues are painful, expensive, and difficult to treat if left unattended. DOH Undersecretary Dr. Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong advised that dental check-ups should be done twice a year, or more frequently for those who quickly develop plaque. “Ideally, a person should visit a dentist twice a year. Everyone says every six months. But some patients produce plaque more quickly. So, if you know you are prone to plaque, you should go at least every four months,” she said.

Perez-Chiong also underscored early dental care, encouraging parents to bring their children to a dentist as soon as they develop teeth. “As soon as a child develops teeth, bring them to the dentist. Usually, people only go when there is pain or visible decay. But no, as early as they have teeth, it does not matter if no procedure is needed. This helps instill the habit of visiting the dentist from a young age,” she said.

Dr. Chiong also explained that the amount under PhilHealth dental benefit allows members to get two dental cleanings a year, plus a checkup and under the package. Children may also receive fluoride application, while adults are likewise encouraged to avail of it to strengthen teeth. The benefit also covers pit and fissure sealants, a preventive procedure applied to molars to protect them from early damage, even if there are no cavities yet.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said PhilHealth is now in the process of accrediting dentists who are willing to accept patients under the dental benefit package. “Dentists need to be accredited if they are willing to accept patients who will be reimbursed by PhilHealth. This is an expansion, so let’s wait for it; it has already been approved by PhilHealth. The next step is implementing it,” he said in the same radio show.

Source: inquirer.net