(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
IN 2021, the World Health Assembly approved a resolution on oral health recommending a shift from the traditional curative approach towards a preventive path.
It affirms that oral health should be embedded within programs on non-communicable diseases and that oral health care interventions should be included in universal health coverage.
In 2022, the World Health Assembly adopted the global strategy on oral health leading to universal health coverage for all individuals by 2030. A detailed action plan will help countries translate the global strategy into practice.
The DOH recognizes that oral diseases are among the most common public health issues in the country. It recognizes that with the right public health policy and public health interventions that address risk factors, oral health issues can be treated and prevented at the early stages.
Public policy and government legislation has responded to the urgent need for sustainable oral health care.
Public policy includes adequate exposure to fluoride toothpaste, promoting a well-balanced diet low in free sugars and high in fruit and vegetables, and favoring water as the main drink; stopping the use of all forms of tobacco, including the chewing of betel nuts; reducing alcohol consumption; and encouraging the use of protective equipment to reduce the risk of facial injuries.
The Philippine Dental Act of 2007 is one such legislation. It provides for the regulation, control, and supervision of the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental technology. It is the first dental Act that recognizes dental hygiene and dental technology as dental professions.
And yet, despite the fact that the DOH āGuidelines in the Implementation of Oral Health Program for Public Servicesā covers oral health packages across all life stages, from pregnant mother up to elderly, the high prevalence of oral diseases persists.
In his book āBack to the Barriosā (1978), Dr. Flavier coined the word balikbaryo. It is time for dentists to do a balikbaryo, both in the literal and figurative sense.
It is time for dentists to be part of the baryo, that is, the community where they play a vital role in preventive care, bringing with them oral health care for everyone.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
