Tulfo pushes free dentures, dental care checkup under PhilHealth

Sen. Raffy Tulfo during one of the hearing in the Senate. Senate PRIB file photo / Bibo Nueva España

MANILA,   Philippines — Knowing that there is a link between good oral health to one’s employability, a senator sees the need to assess the feasibility of providing free dentures and other dental health services to members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

The proposed study is contained  in Senate Resolution No.1021 filed by Senator Raffy Tulfo  on Monday.

Tulfo noted in the resolution that the current coverage provided by PhilHealth under the Universal Health Care law does not explicitly include dental health services and procedures like oral prophylaxis and free dentures.

This, he said, “leaves a significant gap in access to essential dental care.”

“Dental health is an integral component of overall health and well-being, yet, access to dental services remains limited and often unaffordable for many Filipinos,” he said.

The senator cited a 2018 National Health Survey which showed that around 73 million Filipinos are suffering from dental caries or tooth decay.

Good oral health is also significantly linked to an individual’s employability,  Tulfo stressed, noting that most employers prefer potential employees with pleasing personality and those who have a professional appearance.

“Ensuring access to dental health services is not only a matter of public health but also of economic productivity, as poor dental maintenance can adversely affect job prospects and career advancement,” the senator pointed out.

“The provision of dentures, as a prosthetic solution for tooth loss, can restore oral function, and enhance self-esteem and confidence for individuals who cannot afford dental treatment,” he added.

The inability, on the other hand, to access affordable dental care, including dentures,  “disproportionately affects marginalized populations and weighs in on existing disparities in oral health outcomes,” according to Tulfo.

Mental health care is also being considered to be part of Philhealth’s benefit packages.