Residents of the Ilocos Region are set to gain access to free preventive oral health services at primary care facilities, thanks to a new initiative from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The program, introduced through PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0034 in December, seeks to enhance dental care availability in both public and private settings. At a recent forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos Region, Dr. Mark Mina, a dentist from the Department of Health Ilocos Region’s family health unit, shared that private dental clinics are currently in the process of accreditation. PhilHealth members enrolled in the Konsulta Package can utilize these services, with an annual benefit cap of PHP1,000 at accredited locations. The package includes biannual oral examinations, dental cleanings, and fluoride varnish applications, as well as pit and fissure sealants or root surface protection for up to two teeth per year. This move is a significant effort to tackle common oral health problems like tooth decay and the risk of oral cancer. While government facilities are already accredited, private clinics must meet specific healthcare standards and regulations to become accredited under the new circular.
