BICOL REGIONAL CONVENTION

The PDA-Camarines Norte Chapter hosted the 35th Bicol Regional Convention at Naga City with Lamoiyan-Hapee toothpaste and other 14 companies as the major sponsors supported the event. The convention committee focused the assembly on major problems of most regional conferees have experienced and these are the number of attendance and the program proper itself.

To resolve such problem, the host chapter gave much attention in the distribution of the invitation, and thoroughly prepared relevant and interesting topics solely to encourage region 5 members to attend the said symposium.

In spite of current financial crisis, the regional convention was a huge success. Number of attendees exceeded the committee’s expectations. Delegates coming from southernmost provinces of Luzon commune with other dentists from neighboring cities in the region. Sponsors were entirely encouraging in this program; and the national dental organization, the Philippine Dental Association gave the much needed support for this regional convention. A word of gratitude and a heartfelt thanks to all who made this occasion possible.

Advocacy for Persons With Disability Through Our Dental Profession

The Rizal Dental Chapter (RDC) in collaboration with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) and Philippine College of Maxillofacial Surgeons (PCOMS) implemented a pilot project; “Oral Health Care for Physically Challenged Persons”; in Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Incorporated (TWHI) in the city of Manila with estimated 192 Persons With Disability (PWD) who availed dental services from the program. The goal of this project is to improve the lives of PWDs by providing long-term and extensive dental services towards the attainment of optimum dental health for each PWD.

PWD’s belong to one of the marginalized sector of our society and being so, they have to assert their rights especially in health services including dental services. The government does not have the capability to sustain their basic needs due to lack of financial resources and the complexity to reach the greater number of this sector. According to National Statistics Office, PWD comprises 10 percent of our total population for the whole archipelago. Through international support for the dental services of PWD by other countries, this Oral Health Program was conceived by Dr. Mario Esquillo, Consultant and Past President of the Philippine College of Oral and Maxillo-facial Surgeons and the Philippine Dental Association.

The “Oral Health Care for Physically Challenged Persons” is a dental health program designed to achieve extensive treatment coverage and program continuity. Apart from this, the program will be properly monitored and evaluated using a system that would meet the program objectives. The RDC project was launched in September 28, 2008. Gracing the occasion was Dr. Robert Tajonera, PDA Executive Vice President; Dr. Angelo Fernandez, Vice President for Southern Luzon; and PDA Past President Dr. Mario Esquillo. With these inspiring guest, the highlights of the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the RDC and TWHI officials led by one of the Board of Directors, Sister Marickie Gielsen, ICM. Oral health education and mouth examination commenced immediately after the short program.

We hope that the leadership of the Philippine Dental Association shall adopt this project or come up with a better program together with the government, so that we can help a greater number of PWDs nationwide. The challenge is very clear, if a Belgian nun made a remarkable act to Filipinos with disabilities; why can’t we? They are our brothers and sister, our fellow Filipinos. Helping these people through our profession or the best way we can is also living our lives to the fullest.

PDA-BPDS goes to Japan

The Batangas Provincial Dental Society (BPDS) through partnership with Nobeoka Dental Association (NDA) had an overseas learning-tour in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Japan last November 20 till 24, 2008. A series of lecture was given by notable dentists from Japan and from the Philippines. Dr. Masako Sera discussed the medical and dental treatment costs in Japan; and maxillofacial surgery and dental disabilities.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chieko Takahashi gave updates on orthodontics with emphasis on temporary anchorage device as an orthodontic treatment modality. Our very own, Dr. Corazon Flores lectured on the professional regulation frameworks of the Professional Regulation Commission or PRC.

The 89 Japanese and Filipinos participants had the opportunity to observe the different dental institutions in Nobeoka City, to understand the depth of dental health awareness of the youth, and were exposed to the updated dental technology that their hospital and dental clinic utilizes. The learning tour concluded with a vast exposure towards Japanese culture and way of life through visits to key tourist spots and neighboring cities.