Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) in partnership with the local government units of the region recently completed the school-based preventive oral health program known as “Save My Smile (SMS) Project” serving 890 pre-school and school children.
“This project was launched to support the delivery of basic oral health care at the local government unit (LGU) level and to provide immediate solution to various dental conditions affecting the high-risk groups of children from 0 to 6 years old,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated.
“Preventive services that provide oral health protection from the occurrence of dental carries and oral health diseases must be carried out early and sustained through home care and regular oral treatment services,” he added.
In order to support the implementation of oral health programs at the LGU level, DOH-MIMAROPA implemented the Direct Oral Health Treatment Services (DOHTS) to resolve the many dental conditions affecting vulnerable populations in the region from ages 0-6 children, pregnant women and the elderly, including the disadvantaged and marginalized groups of Indigenous People (IPs) and Persons with Disability (PWD).
DOH-MIMAROPA “Save my Smile Project” has provided oral health services to 396 preschoolers and school children Marinduque; 198 in Romblon; 148 in Occidental Mindoro; and 148 in Oriental Mindoro.
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Among the services provided were pit and fissure sealant, fluoride utilization, tooth brush drill, oral examination and case finding.
“The foundation for healthy permanent teeth in children is laid in the early years and it is essential to practice proper oral hygiene routine to help ensure the development of strong and healthy teeth,” Janairo explained.
“I encourage parents to become consistent role models by setting a daily habit of toothbrushing and instilling the importance of oral hygiene to their children,” he emphasized.
DOH Administrative Order 2007-0007 signed January 3, 2007 mandates that the delivery of basic oral health care is the responsibility of the LGUs under the Local Government Code of 1991.
The Oral Health Awareness Advocacy Campaign, with the theme “Ngiping Inaalagaain at Pinagyaman, Hatid ay Ngiting ‘di Kukupas Kailanman” was conducted From May 10 – August 3, 2017.
