The Department of Health (DOH) has raised concern over a severe shortage of dentists in the Philippines, where the current ratio stands at one dentist for every 53,000 people—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 1:7,500 standard.
DOH Undersecretary Emmie Perez said the imbalance contributes to widespread oral health issues, noting that 9 out of 10 Filipino children suffer from tooth decay or related problems.
“Napakataas po ng kailangang habulin ng isang dentista which we cannot do at this moment… Pinagsusumikapan po namin na matugunan pero hindi kaya po,” she explained.
Perez cited low compensation for government dentists, with entry-level positions at Salary Grade 16, as a key factor in recruitment and retention challenges. She also called for reforms, including reviving the DOH’s former Oral Health Bureau, to prioritize dental care.
PhilHealth has offered a preventive oral healthcare package since 2024, covering services and emergency tooth extraction up to ₱1,000 annually. The DOH is studying expanded benefit packages to address tooth loss and dentures.
Perez emphasized the need for collaboration with the private sector.
“Hindi po kaya ng government alone. Kailangan po natin ng collaboration with the private sector,” she said, noting that consultations are ongoing for broader oral health programs.
The DOH stressed that oral health remains an essential but often overlooked component of overall health, requiring urgent attention to close service gaps nationwide.