A NATIONWIDE survey conducted in 2025 is expected to give the Philippines its most up-to-date picture of oral health.
The National Survey on Oral Health (NSOH), commissioned by the Department of Health (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau and conducted by Asian Social Project Services was cleared by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in July 2025. Data collection was scheduled from Aug. 18 to Oct. 30, 2025, with results targeted for release on April 3, 2026.
The survey is the second phase of a nationwide effort to determine the current oral-health condition of Filipinos. It focuses on five World Health Organization-defined index age groups: children aged 5 and 12; adolescents aged 15 to 19; adults aged 35 to 44; and older people aged 65 to 74.
Among the principal questions is how widespread and severe dental caries (or tooth decay), periodontal (or gum) disease and abnormalities of the soft tissues of the mouth are. They cover different age groups, sexes and regions.
The survey is particularly important because the Philippines has long faced a heavy burden of untreated dental disease.
Earlier national data have painted a troubling picture. The DOH’s National Monitoring and Epidemiological Dental Survey, for example, found that about 92.4 percent of Filipinos had dental caries and 78 percent had periodontal disease.
The 2018 National Survey on Oral Health likewise found extensive dental disease, including high levels of tooth decay among young children. A recent analysis of the survey reported that 85 percent of five-year-olds had dental caries in their primary teeth, while periodontal disease was particularly prevalent among older Filipinos.
The 2025 survey is designed to go beyond simply counting cavities and diseased gums. Investigators are collecting information on dental erosion, dental trauma, oral mucosal lesions, denture status, dental interventions and surgery, as well as demographic characteristics.
Researchers are also examining behavioral and environmental factors that may help explain why oral diseases remain widespread. These include tooth-brushing practices, patterns of seeking dental care, access to dental services, smoking and eating habits.
The survey will also allow Philippine estimates to be compared with those of other countries in the Western Pacific Region, providing a broader context for assessing the country’s oral-health performance.
The PSA said the exercise is intended to provide evidence for data-driven planning and policy development.
For public-health officials, the survey be more than another set of statistics. It could provide a roadmap for expanding preventive dental care, improving access to treatment and identifying communities and age groups requiring greater attention.
With oral diseases largely preventable but still affecting billions worldwide, the new Philippine data may ultimately answer a crucial question: after years of high dental-disease rates, is the country’s oral health improving — and if not, where should intervention begin?
The World Health Organization considers untreated tooth decay in permanent teeth the world’s most common health condition.
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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; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
