DILG to LGUs: Tell dentists to comply

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of the Interior and Local Government ((DILG) has asked all local government units to see to it that dentists in their areas wear personal protective equipment and that their clinics follow all the health and safety standards prescribed by the Department of Health.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, in a statement, said that this is to ensure that dental health professionals and their patients are not exposed to the risk of contracting COVID-19.

“The nature of dental operation requires close proximity of a dentist and a patient. Kaya lalong dapat magsuot ng PPE ang mga dentist para sa kanilang kaligtasan at ng kanilang mga pasyente,” Año said.

He added that the dynamics of the dental treatments and services and the inevitability of close exposure to human orifices, namely the nose and the mouth, expose dentists to high risk of infection.

In an advisory issued to all LGUs, Año said governors and mayors must require oral health professionals in their respective jurisdictions to comply with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA)’s Interim Guidelines on Infection Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic which guides dentists in their operations in the ‘new normal.’

“Amid our country’s efforts against the spread of COVID-19, we cannot ignore other serious concerns that need to be addressed, including dental health. The DILG recognizes that oral health is just as important and is part of overall health,” he said.

Meanwhile, DILG Spokesperson and Undersecretary Jonathan E. Malaya said that the PDA guidelines provide the precautionary steps that dental clinics should take, such as patient screening, preparation of dental facility team, and standard layers of defense against COVID-19 which includes waste management of hazardous wastes.

“As the economy and establishments open up, the DILG counts on the LGUs to properly regulate the dental health sector in their localities in line with their duty to promote health and safety. Mahalaga ang oral health sa kabuoang kalusugan ng mamamayan,” said Malaya.  GAN (FREEMAN)