Creation of Dental Unit in Every Rural Health Unit

Senate Office of the Grartarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES } First Regular Session } 25 AUG 14 P5:45 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. 1194 Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri 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 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the State to protect and promote the right to health of the people (Article II, Section 15) and to develop health human resources responsive to the country's needs and problems (Article XIII, Section 12). In line with this, the Philippines committed to the global Primary Health Care agenda during the 1978 Alma Ata Conference by signing the declaration urging governments to formulate national policies and strategies to launch and sustain Primary Health Care as part of a comprehensive national health system. Nearly four decades since this commitment, the Philippines has made progress in strengthening its Primary Health Care system. However, significant gaps remain-most notably in the area of oral health. Despite the country's Universal Health Care Act (RA No. 11223) mandating access to dental services as part of comprehensive health care, the lack of institutional mechanisms to deliver these services continues to compromise the oral health of Filipinos. Dental diseases are among the most widespread health issues in the country. According to the National Survey on Oral Health (NSOH), around 80 million Filipinos suffer from tooth decay, placing the Philippines among the highest globally in terms of dental caries prevalence. Additionally, 54 million Filipinos are affected by gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss. The World Health Organization notes that by age 70, Filipinos have an average of only seven remaining teeth. Multiple factors contribute to this crisis. Access remains a major challenge, with 60 percent of licensed dentists based in Metro Manila, leaving rural and underserved areas with minimal or no access to dental care. The national dentist-to-population ratio remains low, and millions are unable to afford or access dental services. A 2016 estimate from the Philippine Prosthodontic Society showed that around 7 million Filipinos had never been treated by a dentist, largely due to the perception that dental care is unaffordable.

Awareness is another critical concern. Many Filipinos lack knowledge about proper oral hygiene practices, including correct brushing techniques and the use of mouth rinse. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the average Filipino consumes more than 13 tablespoons of sugar daily, almost triple the recommended intake-further exacerbating dental issues. Alarmingly, half of the population only seeks dental care when symptoms appear, rather than practicing preventive care. Dental problems not only affect health but also have economic and social consequences. Each affected tooth can result in an average two-day productivity loss, leading to missed work or school, recurring pain, and costly treatments. This proposed measure seeks to address these challenges by establishing dental units in all rural health units (RHUs)under the Department of Health. The presence of at least one dentist in every RHU will enable the delivery of essential preventive and curative dental services-particularly to priority populations such as children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and other vulnerable groups. While the investment may increase operational costs, the long-term health and economic benefits will far outweigh them. In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought JUAN MIGUEL "MIGZ" F. ZUBIRI

Senate Office of the sacccclare TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES } First Regular Session 25 AUG 14 P5:45 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S.B. No. 1194 Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri 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. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State:

a. To pursue the Primary Health Care Approach in the delivery of health services and to undertake the appropriate health human resource development for this policy; and b. To promote preventive dental healthcare in the rural areas as part of 6 the Primary Health Care strategy.

Sec. 2. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

a. Rural Health Unit (also known as Main Health Center) shall be composed of a doctor, a nurse and a midwife. Its function is to carry out the public health functions of the Department of Health which includes both preventive and curative health care. b. Dental Unit shall be composed of a public health dentist and a trained Barangay Health Worker as a dental aide.

Sec. 3. Creation of Dental 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.

Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the

approval of this Act, the Department of Health shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 5. Funding. - The amount necessary for the purpose of this Act shall be

funded from the current fiscal year's appropriation for the Department of Health (DOH). Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication

in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,