By ALMA B. SINUMLAG
www.nordis.net

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet—The Sangguiang Bayan (SB) of this town on January 24 during their regular session approved an ordinance proposed by Councilor Horacio Ramos Jr. declaring the month of February as Municipal Dental Health Month in time for the nation’s celebration.

This activity according to the approved ordinance enjoin dental heath practitioners, dental students, dental schools, and other related government or non-government organizations to reach out for the people of the municipality and provide them free dental services specially to the residents who have limited access to the said health service. The activity will last for the whole month.

The ordinance pointed out that because of poverty, the municipality’s populace has been neglecting their dental health. Moreover, the Department of Health (DoH) as stated in the ordinance is encouraging all local government units (LGUs) to hold activities that will intensify the promotion of dental health awareness in their localities. It is further explained that dental health should be made available because it is a basic component of health which is considered as a necessity for every individual and the community as a whole.

Further, other objectives of the said ordinance are to reduce oral diseases especially among the poor and marginalized population of the town, and to promote healthy lifestyles that will reduce the risk factors in acquiring dental health problems. These factors the ordinance stated are environment, unhealthy behavior, social and economic. Moreover, this law will help the community identify dental problems that are preventable and encourage them to actively participate in its solutions.

Some of the highlights of the activity are workshops and trainings on dental health, dental missions that will provide the 16 municipalities of services like oral examinations, case findings, extractions, restoration/fillings, denture construction for the indigents, fluoride therapy for children, and other dental treatments. Also, there will be activities for the dental health of pregnant and Persons with Disabilities (PWD). Others include the Search for Mr. & Miss Healthy Smile competitions that will include categories namely, elementary, high school and senior citizen levels. A poster making contest will also be conducted.

The necessary funding will come from the annual municipal budget and if there will be donations, the ordinance stated that it will be utilized for the dental health activities only. # nordis.net