ADS Observes Dental Health Month

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

February is not only declared heart month but also Dental Health Month. The latter us celebrated here with modest fun fare and activity by an elite group of young dental practitioners who compose the Aklan Dental Society (ADS). Speaking at the Kapehan Sa Aklan, a weekly forum on February 7, panelists discussed ways to improve dental health and hygiene in largely rural communities. Dr. Kay I. Dela Cruz, an Ortho-dontist and part time educator stated that "our mouth is gateway to good health". It’s pathetic for only very few manages to keep them in good shape and functional use. Dentures are primarily important in mystification and digestion of food. It also affects our speech and facial appearance. In a way, they are essential to our physical well being and happiness.

Strategy of implemen-tation is primarily focused on prevention and treatment. The bulk however, lies on the former under the existing health delivery of the Department of Health, considering scant resources. This is done by disseminating relevant information in collaboration with companies marketing consumer products such as toothpaste and mouth-wash. So far, they have started with school children teaching on how to brush their teeth and eliminate bad breath through regular mouth wash. Practical measures are on generous consum-ption of fruits, vegetables and milk which are excellent sources of vitamin C. Line agencies like Department of Agriculture and Department of Education are also actively involved in promoting health and nutrition.

The Aklan Dental Society was formally organized in 2002 to address dental health problems by providing the public with quality yet affordable services. It also promotes unity, cooperation and professionalism among its members through its regulatory arm. Volunteer doctors conduct free clinics every Wednesday on specified dates and places reaching out to disadvantaged groups. Earlier in the week, the members together with their sponsors and guests had motorcycled around the streets of Kalibo to mark the nationwide celebration. Local dental society is headed by its energetic President, Dr. Lolita B. Itulid.

Serious incidence of dental cavities among children should be wake up call for parents and their kids to visit dental clinics since "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure". Meanwhile, adults are prone to have missing dentures and must be properly replaced to have that winning smile. The cost of prosthetics however, is expensive but senior citizens get dis-counted rates of 20 per cent. Oral prophylaxis is prescribed by authorities once every six months. Doctors however, empha-size the need to have prior agreement on cost of dental services as a way to create trust and confidence.

Resource speakers included Drs. Lolita B. Itulid, Tifanny Quimpo, Kay I. Dela Cruz, and Jonavy V. Bautista during the Kapehan Sa Aklan on February 7. /MP