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Republic of the Philippines
Department of Health e:c-t
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Building 1, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila 1003
Tel. Nos. 743-83011ocals 1125, 1132, Fax (632) 743·1829, 743,1786; Direct 711·9502, 711-9503
osec@doh.gov.ph

October 14, 2003

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
No. 10 I s. 2003

SUBJECT:. NA TTONAL POLICY ON ORAL HEALTH

I. Rationaleffiackg round
Sound health b~gins with good oral health since the process of nourishment starts
with the oral cavity. Unfortunately, this line of thought has not been translated into
positive action; hence, oral health as it relates to the total health takes the least priority on
an individual. The important role of oral health in improving the quality oflife and in the
socio-economic development of the country is poorly appreciated. Oral diseases have
been considered as non-life threatening, and except for the few elite Filipinos, majority of
the population continue to ljve with their dental problems in ignorance, unmindful of its
· existence.

There are no less than two hundred dental diseases and conditions in the listing of
the World Health Organization, many of which are public health concerns. Iii the
Philippines, the two main oral. health problems are dental caries (tooth decay) and
periodontal diseases (gum diseases). In the latest DOH survey (National Monitoring and
Epidemiological Dental Survey, 1998). 92.4% of the Filipinos suffer from dental caries,
while 78% of them suffer from periodontal disease. The Philippines is currently behind
countries in the Western Pacific Region wh~h 'it comes to oral health.

There is dearth of available data on the prevalence of oral cancer in the

Philippines. However, :mouth and oropharynx cancers were found to be a leading cause
of cancer deaths in the South East Asian Regional Organization (SEARO) as shown in
the cancer registry of The Global Burden of Disease (GBD), WHO, 2000. It was higher
than breast, bronchial and lung cancer and ranks 8th globally from all the WHO regions.
In the Philippines, ~~cer is 4th among the leading causes of deaths (Philippine Health
Statistics, 19Q~)increased from 5th rank to 4th in 1975-1990 and 1995 data, respectively.
Oral cancer s4ares the same magnitude raising_a grim impact on victims as it impinges on
the food intake.

Signed /lo "Tooth Brushing is Healthy Lifestyle"

Received in the Records
Section on II· 61 'i -o $
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These oral diseases produce considerable impairment on the quality of life of

individuals. Studies revealed that oral diseases could cause functional limitations on the
performance of an individual. Aside from the physical pain, psychological discomfort
and emotional disturbance, these diseases affect eating habits, social interactions, self-
esteem and productivity at work and in school. Good teeth and healthy mouth reflects on
the person's social well being and the concomitant sound and amicable or salutary
relationship with his fellowman. Beauty and health are more appreciated. In the
economic and social standpoint, every episode of considerable pain in the oral cavity
exacts two-man days lost. In terms of productivity, the loss is estimated at 6 .5B pesos
yearly and the opportunity for learning lost for children is incalculable.

In response to the great task of improving the nation's oral health, the DOH has
formulated a comprehensive dental health program in 1993. The program initiated
innovations in preventive oral care using the Primary Health Care Approach. Plans and
actions are geared towards promotion of good oral health and preventing and controlling
oral diseases and conditions so as to attain the highest possible level of oral health.

Oral health as an integral component of total health of the individual and the
family should be upgraded co-complementary with other family health programs. As
such, oral health have been integrated under the cluster of Family Health programs along
with maternal and child health, nutrition and reproductive health (EO 102, Streamlining
the Organization and Functions of the DOH). It is within this whole context that the
revision of the DOH oral health policies is pursued.

This Administrative Order outlines the policies and guidelines on oral health,
which will help in planning various programs and projects to promote effective, efficient
and accessible quality oral health services for the family.

n. Definition of Terms
Oral Health - refers to the state or condition of the structures and tissues of the mouth or
oral cavity.

Oral Urgent Treatment- Basic emergency oral care such as extraction of badly
decayed and severely periodontally involved teeth under local anesthesia,
treatment of post-extraction complications such as dry socket and
bleeding, drainage of localized oral abscess, ftrst aid for dento-alveolar
trauma and referring complicated cases to the nearest hospitaL

Habilitation - Artificial restoration of prosthesis to restore function and missing tissue

parts, in particular, the construction of feeding plates for infants with
congenital oral defects (cleft palate/lip).

Rehabilitation - Artificial restoration of prosthesis to oral deformities following oral

surgery to restore function and missing tissue and parts for victims of
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as oral cancer. A scheme to restore speech articulation, mastication and

correction of impairment of psychosocial attitudes completes the
rehabilitation procedures, prospectively, the area of handicapping dento
facial anomaly.

lll. Coverage and Scope

The oral health policies and guidelines embodied herein shall apply to all
government and non-government health institutions whose functions and activities
contribute to the improvement of oral health.

It shall focus on the following services:

a) promotive care
b) preventive care
c) curative care
d) habilitative and rehabilitative care

Oral health care shall address the following health problems:

a) dental caries (tooth decay)
b) periodontal diseases (gum diseases)
c) oral cancer and soft tissue lesions

IV. Vision
Empowered and responsible Filipino citizens taking care of their own personal
oral health for an enhanced quality of life.

V. Mission
The state shall ensure quality, affordable, accessible and available oral health care
delivery.

VI. Goal
Attainment of improved quality of life through promotion of oral health and
quality oral health care.

VII. Policy Statements

The National Policy on Oral Health shall be pursued to guarantee the attainment
of an improved oral health through a Comprehensive Oral Health Care Program, with
priority on the promotion of oral health and adequate prevention and control of oral
diseases and conditions, thereby ensuring protection of the rights of every individual with
oral health needs.
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A. Adherence to Values

Oral health is an integral and indivisible component of total health. It is

both an individual and a collective responsibility of the family, community and
the state. Oral health shall be integrated in every lifestage health programs.

B. Leadership
As the national lead agency in the health sector, the DOH is mandated to
ensure the promotion and protection of people's oral health and monitor and
evaluate the implementation of national oral health programs. The LGU shall
ensure the delivery of basic oral health services as embodied in the Local
Govermnent Code of 199!.

C. Priority Target Groups for Oral Health Programs

Basic oral health services shall be made available to the general
population particularly the vulnerable and high-risk groups, children (0-6 years
old), pregnant women and the elderly, the disadvantaged and marginalized
groups.

D. Standard Oral Health Interventions

Oral health interventions shall be utilized to promote desirable oral
practices, prevent and control oral diseases and conditions and provide
appropriate treatment, habilitation and rehabilitation.

Cost effective, available, efficient and evidence-based intervention shall

be promoted at all levels.

The DOH shall ensure that oral urgent treatment is provided to those
requiring such treatment and that such are consistent with the best dental practice.

The DOH shall ensure the affordable and effective delivery of oral
services by promoting and implementing oral health programs with financing
components.

E. Collaboration and Partnership

The DOH shall ensure an enabling and sustainable environment for
collaboration and partnership for oral health among government and non-
government institutions and organizations.

F. Standard Development
To ensure provision of highest quality oral health care, a national
attainable standard shall be developed for manpower, facilities, services, ethical

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products, dental devices and materials as well as promotion of ethical procedures

and practices.

G. Human Resourc e Develop ment

Human Resource Development shall be geared towards the development
of adequate, appropriate, competent and highly motivated health professionals
and trained auxiliaries to manage and provide quality oral health care.

H. Informa tion System

Oral health management information system shall be designed, installed
and utilized for planning monitoring and evaluation of oral health programs.

I. Monito ring and Evaluat ion

An effective monitoring, evaluation and surveillance system shall be
developed and implemented to ensure collection of accurate and reliable evidence
for the rational management of oral health programs and oral diseases and
conditions.

J. Researc h and Develop ment

Research on oral health and other related studies shall be undertaken to
improve management, efficiency and effectiveness of oral health strategies.

VIII. Implem enting Mechan ism

A. Nationa l Level
The Family Health Office (FHO) under the Nationa l Center for Disease
Prevent ion and Contro l (NCDP C) of the Departm ent of Health will be the
lead agency/office in the management of oral health. As such it shall take overall
responsibility for policy development, standard setting, coordination and
integration of all activities. This office shall designate a point person equivalent
to Dentist V to ensure that oral health care/services are given importance in terms
of technical, logistics and other support systems. It shall convene the technical
working group on oral health to assist in the execution of its function.

The Technic al Workin g Group (TWG) On Oral Health, an advisory

and recommendatory body created under Department Order No. 51-F, s. 2003
shall continue to regularly review and recommend policies, standards, guidelines,
rules, regulations, strategies, program/project design, training and initiatives
pertaining to oral health. The group will have the following composition:

Chair: Director/Division Chief ofFHO , NCDPC, DOH

Co-chair: Representative from the Center for Health Development
Members: Representative from the Department ofEduc ation
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Representative from the Philippine Dental Association

Representative from the Academe, UP, CPH
Representative from the Local Govermnent Unit
Representative from the Government Hospital
Representative from Other DOH Offices

Secretariat: Child Heahh and Development Division, FHO

B. Center for Health Development (Regional Level)

The Centers for Health Development (CHDs) in various regions of the
country shall maintain the existing dental staff structure of one (1) Dentist IV and
one (1) Dentist ill within their Technical Division/Family Health Cluster and
ensure the inclusion of oral health in their priority agenda. The CHD shall
oversee the implementation of oral health at the LGU levels.

C. Local Government Units

The Local Government Units shall implement the Oral Health Programs
in accordance with the National Policy on Oral Health.

The Provincial/City Govermnent shall ensure that oral health care shall be
available, accessible and affordable at all local health facilities. They shall
provide technical and logistics assistance to the Rural Health Units/Health
Centers.

The Municipal Govermnent through the Rural Health Units/Health

Centers shall implement an oral health care program consistent with the National
Oral Health Program.

D. Support Services
The National Center for Health Promotion (NCHP) shall lead in the
development of health information, education, communication, motivation
(IECM) and advocacy strategies on oral health in coordination with the Family
Health Office. The NCHP shall develop prototype IEC materials for reproduction
at LGU levels.

The Health Human Resource Development Bureau (HHRDB) shall

provide technical support in planning and development of a training program for
oral health professionals and auxiliaries. The HHRDB shall also assist the CHDs
and LGUs on training needs assessment and procurement of human resource
development fund from local, national and international agencies.

The Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) shall take the lead
in the formulation and implementation of standards for licensing and regulation of
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oral health facilities and services of private schools, industrial/occupational

establishments and hospitals and enforcement of policies.

Other support services include the Health Policy Development and

Planning Bureau, the National Epidemiology Center, Information
Management Services and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.

D. Networking
The FHO, NCDPC shall establish necessary linkages with other DOH
Services, Department of Education, and Other Govermnent Agencies, Non-
Govermnent Organizations, Academe, Professional Groups, Media and the
private sectors particularly local and foreign funding agencies. They shall be
partners in advocacy, promotion and provision of oral health services and in the
training of oral health care professionals and auxiliaries.

E. Funding
The DOH national and regional health offices (CHDs) shall appropriate in
their annual budget sufficient allocation for oral health. Generation of funds from
other sources shall be carried out at all levels.

Local Govermnent Units are encouraged to appropriate fund in the

implementation of their oral health programs.

IX. Repealing Clause

Administrative Orders, Rules and Regulations and other Department issuance
inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

In the event that any section, paragraph, sentence, clause or word of this Order is
declared invalid for any reason, the other provisions thereof shall not be affected thereby.

X. Effectivity
This Administrative Order shall take effec on approval.

l!h
Secretary ofHealth

"Tooth Brushing is Healthy Lifestyle"