House bill aims to expand Filipinos' access to dental care

Lawmakers have filed a bill that aims to make basic dental care easier and more affordable for Filipinos by rolling out a nationwide oral health program.

House Bill No. 4691, or the “Oral Healthcare Act,” was filed by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez together with Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre.

The proposal highlights a common but often overlooked problem: many Filipinos suffer from tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to bigger health issues if left untreated.

“Kapag pinabayaan ang oral health, lumalaki ang gastos at problema ng pamilya. Layunin ng panukalang ito na gawing bahagi ng pangunahing serbisyong pangkalusugan ang dental care upang mapagaan ang gastusin at mapabuti ang kalidad ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” Romualdez said.

(When oral health is neglected, a family’s expenses and problems only grow. The goal is to make dental care part of basic health services to help lower costs and improve quality of life.)

Under the bill, the government would set up a National Oral Health Program to improve dental care services, especially in communities with little access to dentists, and help reduce common problems like cavities and gum disease.

The measure also wants oral health to be included in existing health programs—such as those for mothers, children, and nutrition—so dental care becomes part of regular checkups, not an afterthought.

PhilHealth would also be directed to cover more dental services for Filipinos of all ages, making visits to the dentist less costly.

Local governments, meanwhile, would be required to run their own oral health programs and set up dental units in rural health centers, with trained staff to provide basic care.

The bill also seeks stricter action against illegal dental practices and aims to improve overall standards in dental services.

Earlier, the Department of Health said it is pushing for a bigger budget for oral health and is working to revive its Oral Health Bureau. It also plans to address the lack of dentists in the country by offering better pay.—MCG, GMA News