The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has approved the inclusion of dental services in its healthcare benefit packages, marking a significant milestone in expanding universal health care.
The new dental package includes essential services such as oral screening, dental prophylaxis (cleaning), fluoride varnish application, fissure sealants, Class V dental procedures, emergency tooth extractions, and dental consultations.
Preventive Oral Care
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the importance of incorporating oral health into universal health care, describing it as a key component of primary care.
“The Board agreed on a preventive oral health benefit to be delivered by dentists within PhilHealth Konsulta package providers, as well as stand-alone dentists referred by these providers,” Herbosa stated.
Coverage Details
PhilHealth will allocate up to ₱1,000 per patient annually for preventive oral health services:
- ₱300 for the first visit: Covers oral screening, cleaning, and fluoride varnish application.
- ₱300 for a second visit (at least four months after the first): Includes the same services.
- ₱200 per tooth (up to two teeth annually): For pit and fissure sealants or Class V procedures.
Co-Payments
- Public dentists: No co-payment required.
- Private dentists: Co-payment caps include ₱1,500 per visit for oral screening and cleaning, ₱600 for fissure sealants or Class V procedures, and ₱600 for emergency tooth extractions.
PhilHealth’s decision underscores its commitment to providing accessible and preventive oral health care for Filipinos.