MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Residents of the Ilocos Region may soon benefit from free preventive oral health services at primary care facilities through a new package by Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
Launched under PhilHealth Circular No. 2024-0034 last December, the program aims to improve dental care access across both government and private clinics.
During a forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos Region on Friday, Dr. Mark Mina, a family health unit dentist with the Department of Health Ilocos Region, announced that the accreditation process for private dental clinics is underway.
PhilHealth beneficiaries registered with the Konsulta Package provider can avail themselves of these services, with a maximum benefit of PHP1,000 per year, at accredited facilities, he said.
“This covers mouth examination or oral screening, dental prophylaxis or cleaning, and fluoride varnish application every six months or twice a year, four months apart. Pit and fissure sealant application or root surtace protection or Class V restoration with a maximum of two teeth in a year,” he said.
The initiative is a major step in addressing prevalent oral health issues such as tooth decay and the risk of oral cancer.
While government facilities are automatically accredited, private clinics are undergoing the necessary accreditation process as mandated by the circular, which requires adherence to established healthcare standards and regulations. (PNA)