The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved a proposed ordinance which seeks to declare the month of February each year as Bacolod City Dental Health Month, Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. said.
Gamboa, who authored the ordinance recently approved by the SP on third and final reading, said it aims to promote good dental health, and prevent dental caries or tooth decay and other dental health problems among children and adults.
The ordinance also seeks to institutionalize a free denture initiative, or the “Balik-Ngiti” program or “Libreng Pustiso”, which includes free dentures, denture repairs and relining services; as well as the conduct of preventive services, such as oral health education, nutrition and risk assessment, and oral screening.
To ensure accountability and effectiveness, the ordinance mandates the creation of a database for community-based oral health programs, and a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system, Gamboa said.
The City Health Office Dental Division will maintain a masterlist of beneficiaries and services availed of, and will regularly assess program quality, effectiveness, and client satisfaction, he added.
Beneficiaries who require laboratory tests not covered by PhilHealth’s Primary Care Benefit Program shall be assisted under the Bacolod City Comprehensive Health Program and allowed access to services from both government and private healthcare providers.
Under the ordinance, the city government shall provide a wide range of dental services, including tooth extractions, basic and emergency dental treatments, oral prophylaxis (scaling and polishing), toothbrushing activities, and access to oral specialty services, such as oral surgery and orthodontics, Gamboa added. ||
