DepEd's oral health program: Happy Smiles for Healthy Kids Project

Pursuant to DepED Order No. 73, s. 2007 entitled, "Promoting Oral Health in Public Elementary Schools," the Department of Education (DepEd) through the Health and Nutrition Center (HNC) and the Adopt -A-School Program (ASP) Secretariat in coordination with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) and Lamoiyan Corporation shall pursue activities that will enhance the development of oral health habits, personal hygiene, dental health services and oral health education/promotion through the "Happy Smiles for Healthy Kids" Project. A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between the DepEd and the PDA on January 30, 2011 at the Quirino Grandstand, Ermita, Manila for the implementation of the Project in 78 selected schools nationwide to be participated in by the PDA chapters.

The school health and nutrition personnel and ASP coordinators in the selected schools are expected to take the lead in the planning, implementation and evaluation of this Project. The principals/heads of these schools shall take the lead in the implementation of the supervised daily toothbrushing and handwashing activities in the schools.

The regional directors and the schools division/city superintendents are enjoined to extend full administrative support to this Project to decrease the prevalence of canes among the schoolchildren.



Basic Policies and Guidelines:

1. Oral health promotion in public schools shall focus on the conduct of activities for the prevention and control of dental caries and other oral health problems.
2. The project shall be implemented in selected pre-schools nationwide for SY 2011-2012.
3. The different components of the project include the following:
1. Daily Toothbrushing and Handwashing Drills
1. The pre-schoolers will brush their teeth and wash their hands to emphasize the importance of proper hygiene.
2. The school health and nutrition personnel shall conduct demonstration activities on proper toothbrushing and handwashing.
3. The principal/school heads shall ensure the availability of toothbrushing trough/handwashing facilities.
2. Oral Health Services
1. PDA local chapters shall coordinate with the dentist-in-charge for the oral examination of the target beneficiaries..
2. All findings and interventions will be recorded in the DepEd Oral Health Card.
3. The recipients will be interviewed using a checklist provided by PDA. It will be used as basis of oral health education
3. Oral Health Education
1. Display of posters in classrooms
2. Oral Health Education such as lecture/demo shall be conducted in the classrooms of the pre-school children
3. Parents of the adopted pre-schoolchildren shall be oriented on the objectives of the program to encourage their active participation and support to the project.
4. Dental Fair (Quiz bee, Art contest, Dress up my Brush etc) will be conducted.
4. Oral Health Treatment/Intervention
1. Daily Tooth brushing Drill will be conducted(in proper coordination with the classroom adviser)
2. Topical Fluoride Application will be done for all recipients.
3. The following treatment (depending on the availability of the supplies and materials) will be provided as indicated:
• Oral Prophylaxis/Scaling
• Sealant
• Temporary Filling/Permanent Filling
• Extraction
5. Role Delineation
1. The Health and Nutrition Center (HNC) and Adopt-A-School Program (ASP) Secretariat shall perform over-all coordination at the national level.
2. At the regional level, the Regional Health and Nutrition Unit (RHNU) shall coordinate project implementation in all divisions. Regional Directors are enjoined to provide administrative support for the implementation of this project.
3. At the division level, the Medical Officer takes charge of project implementation.
4. At the school level, the principal / school heads shall be fully accountable for the implementation of the project.
5. Schools Division Superintendent shall mobilize school health and nutrition personnel and ASP field coordinators in the implementation of the project.
6. Provision of Support to Operation
1. Lamoiyan shall ensure the availability of the following materials for the implementation to the PDA local chapters/ affiliates who have confirmed their participation:
• Oral Health Education flipchart (1 pc)
• Oral Health Education posters (10pcs.)
• Tooth brushes (200 pcs)
• Toothpastes 300m1 equivalent x 100
• Toothbrush holders (2pcs.)
• Project Streamers (2pcs.)
• Fluoride Gel (good for 100 pre-school children)
2. The Supplies and materials shall be received by the principal or designated school personnel.
7. Recording and Reporting
1. Reporting and recording shall be done by the volunteer dentists.
2. Accomplishment report shall be submitted to the office of the Secretary; Attention: Health and Nutrition Center.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation
1. Visits of volunteer dentists to monitor daily toothbrushing.
2. Fluoride Application Assessment and Monitoring
3. Post - interview
4. Attendance in the daily toothbrushing.
5. Validate the total number of recipient of topical fluoride and frequency of application

Download the LIST OF SCHOOLS who are selected to conduct oral health education/promotion through the "Happy Smiles for Healthy Kids" Project. Click the link below:

- https://www.affordablecebu.com/