WITH only 58 dentists currently serving over 1.7 million public school learners across Western Visayas – according to the Department of Education (DepEd) itself – the state of oral health among schoolchildren in the region deserves urgent attention.
The shortage of school dentists is disturbing – one dentist is responsible for the dental needs of nearly 30,000 students. This ratio makes quality dental care virtually unattainable for many.
DepEd Region 6 has assured the public that efforts are underway to fill the 12 remaining vacancies from the 71 authorized dentist positions. However, is this number even enough to meet the actual demand?
Even if all positions were filled, the current system still falls short of providing adequate dental services to every learner. The shortage of school dentists is not merely an issue of unfilled positions — it is a systemic problem that calls for long-term solutions.
One of the primary barriers to addressing this gap is the hiring process. The delay in postings, slow document processing, and the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) inflexible guidelines make it difficult to recruit professionals willing to work in public schools. Additionally, low salaries and limited career growth opportunities discourage dentists from joining the public sector. If we are to solve this crisis, the government must rethink its approach.
First, there must be an increase in budget allocation for school dental services. More funding would allow DepEd to hire additional dentists beyond the current 71 authorized positions, ensuring that every division has an adequate number of dental professionals. This investment is for the safeguarding of our children’s health and preventing long-term complications that could affect their academic performance and overall well-being.
Also, the hiring process for school dentists must be streamlined. DepEd, in coordination with the CSC and other relevant agencies, should review and adjust its recruitment guidelines to make the application process more efficient. A more proactive approach — such as offering direct incentives to dental graduates who choose to work in public schools — could also encourage young professionals to take up these roles.
And yes, competitive salaries and benefits must be offered to make the public sector more attractive to dentists. Providing hazard pay, continuous training, and career advancement opportunities will not only help recruit professionals but also retain them. Without meaningful incentives, the shortage will persist, and DepEd will continue to struggle in filling these crucial positions.
In the meantime, the reliance on local government units (LGUs) and private organizations to supplement school dental programs must be further strengthened. Municipal Health Offices and the Philippine Dental Association have played an invaluable role in providing school-based dental services, but these efforts must be institutionalized rather than remain as stopgap measures. LGUs should consider allocating funds for mobile dental clinics that can reach remote schools, ensuring that no child is left behind.
The shortage of school dentists in Western Visayas should not be ignored. Both national and local governments must recognize oral health as a priority, not an afterthought. The future of our students depends not just on books and classrooms but also on their overall health.
