Sen. Raffy Tulfo Advocates for Free Dental Services to Enhance Employability
TULFO – Senator Raffy Tulfo calls for the evaluation of free dental services for PhilHealth members to improve employability.
Acknowledging the link between maintaining good oral health and improving one’s employability, a senator underscores the importance of assessing the feasibility of providing complimentary dentures and additional dental care services to beneficiaries of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
This evaluation is outlined in Senate Resolution No. 1021, introduced by Senator Raffy Tulfo on Monday.
Based on a report from Inquirer, Senator Raffy Tulfo emphasized in the resolution that the current coverage provided by PhilHealth under the Universal Health Care law does not explicitly include dental health services such as oral prophylaxis and free dentures. This omission, he stated, results in a significant gap in access to essential dental care.
Highlighting the integral role of dental health in overall well-being, Tulfo pointed out that despite its importance, access to dental services remains limited and often unaffordable for many Filipinos.
This, he said, “leaves a significant gap in access to essential dental care.”
“Dental health is an integral component of overall health and well-being, yet, access to dental services remains limited and often unaffordable for many Filipinos,” he said.
He referenced data from the 2018 National Health Survey, which revealed that approximately 73 million Filipinos suffer from dental caries or tooth decay.
According to the report, Raffy Tulfo stressed the substantial connection between maintaining good oral health and securing employment, noting that employers often prioritize candidates with an appealing demeanor and professional appearance. He emphasized that ensuring access to dental health services is not only a matter of public health but also crucial for economic productivity, as poor dental maintenance can hinder job prospects and career advancement.
Moreover, Tulfo highlighted the significance of providing dentures as a prosthetic solution for tooth loss, which can restore oral function and boost self-esteem for individuals unable to afford dental treatment.
Conversely, Raffy Tulfo remarked that the lack of access to affordable dental services disproportionately affects marginalized populations, exacerbating existing disparities in oral health outcomes. Additionally, mental health services are being considered for potential inclusion in PhilHealth’s benefit packages.