WITH 80 million Filipinos suffering from tooth decay and 54 million from gum problems, a leading dentist is urging local chief executives to prioritize continuous and preventive oral healthcare.
This call comes as a new Philhealth benefit package — approved in November 2024 — now entitles every Filipino to free routine preventive dental care, offering a potential lifeline in addressing the country’s widespread oral health crisis.
During a panel discussion held in Cebu City on Monday, May 26, 2025, Noel Vallesteros, chief of the Department of Health’s (DOH) Oral Health and Nutrition Care Division, emphasized the importance of sustained dental practices. He urged a shift away from traditional, one-time dental missions that focus solely on free extractions and dentures.
“Remember when you talk of quality care, it is the continuity of care,” Vallesteros said. He expressed concern that many missions leave patients with extracted teeth but without long-term solutions.
The Philhealth benefit for preventive oral health services in primary care was approved through Board Resolution 2959 on Nov. 28. This policy change coincided with the Philippines’ participation in the first World Health Organization Global Oral Health Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, held from Nov. 26 to 29.
New benefit package
Under the new benefit package, Filipinos are now entitled to free oral prophylaxis, fluoride varnish application, oral screening and counseling — twice a year. However, a significant hurdle remains: healthcare facilities and professionals must be accredited as service providers. Most local health clinics across the country are not yet accredited.
“This is for the future, this is for us, but we need to work,” Vallesteros said, emphasizing that although these services are available, their full utilization depends on support from local governments. “It’s in the hands of the mayor and the governor. If there’s no demand generation from your part, the mayor and governor will think of dental missions for extractions. But you know there is now free routine preventive oral care,” he added.
According to Kenvue, the global consumer health company behind brands like Listerine, Johnson’s and Tylenol, oral health in the Philippines remains poor due to limited access to dentists, poor hygiene habits and financial barriers.
Kenvue noted that 60 percent of the country’s dentists are concentrated in Metro Manila, leaving rural areas underserved. In a predominantly self-pay healthcare system, many Filipinos cannot afford preventive dental care. The company also raised concerns about high sugar consumption — over 13 tablespoons daily on average, nearly triple the recommended amount — and the lack of adequate oral care practices. About half of Filipinos reportedly seek dental care only when problems arise.
Public call
Vallesteros urged citizens to assert their right to these benefits, saying it could compel local officials to improve both public and private dental services.
The Cebu City event was co-organized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Visayas Chapter (AmCham Visayas) and Kenvue Philippines. It aimed to raise public awareness and share expert insights on improving oral health, in support of the DOH’s “Ngiting 70-20” campaign. The national campaign seeks to ensure that Filipinos retain at least 20 functional teeth by age 70. Kenvue Philippines has partnered with the DOH to promote comprehensive oral care.
The panel also featured Dr. Arlene dela Cruz-Medina, president of the Philippine Pediatric Dentist Society, who shared best practices for children’s oral health; and Dr. Juan Rafael Sandico Silva, a fellow of the International College of Dentists, who discussed gum care and the benefits of mouthwash.
The “Ngiting 70-20” campaign and the expanded Philhealth coverage mark a significant shift toward preventive and continuous oral care in the Philippines. With sustained support from local authorities and greater public awareness, the DOH, Philhealth and private partners like Kenvue aim to foster healthier, brighter smiles nationwide. / CDF