TO ENSURE good oral health among learners, the Department of Education released the guidelines on the implementation of the school dental health care program.

The program aims to establish clinics and provide medical and dental supplies in  offices and Central Elementary Schools.

These clinics will provide health services to learners and DepEd personnel who need preventive and curative services, including immediate dental and medical emergency care.

Clinics will be given dental equipment and dental and medical supplies. These will be manned either by health personnel, volunteer partner, or designated school clinic teacher.

“We find it necessary to still provide these services to learners and personnel to address the high prevalence of dental caries and other health problems during the time of the pandemic,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

DepEd’s Oplan Kalusugan reported that for the school year 2018-2019, the most common oral ailments were dental caries and gingivitis.

Clinics will distribute health care supplies, including toothpaste, toothbrush, and soap to Kinder to Grade 6 learners; apply fluoride varnish to all students from Kinder to Grade 3; provide tele-consultation, oral examination and simple dental treatment to learners and school personnel.