The Philippine Dental Association is observing the 16th National Dental Health Month with a series of activities that started in January and will culminate with the HIV Forum on March 10 at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex, World Oral Health Day on March 20 at the Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan City and badminton tournament on March 22 at the Power Up Centro Atletico, North Road, Cubao, Quezon City.
With the theme, “Unite for Mouth Health” which aims to strengthen PDA’s advocacy for “Sugar Away Iwas Tooth Decay” and “Tooth Decay Hindi Okay”, the NDHM kick off was spearheaded by PDA president Dr. Stephen Almonte on Jan. 26 at the Quirino Granstand, Luneta with Aqua Run for Oral Health which conveys the message to the public that water is the best drink as opposed to sugar sweetened beverages.
Other activities were Zumba Marathon, Chant for Smiles, Billboard Unveiling and Interschool Hiphop Competition. Its Mindanao kick-off was held on Feb. 9 in Dipolog City while the Visayas kick-off was on Feb. 16 in Cebu with fun runs.
PDA also held an open house at the PDA Building in Makati City on Feb. 2; National Toothbrushing Day nationwide through all PDA chapters and affiliate societies at the Bonifacio and the Katipunan Revolution Monument in Ermita, Manila on Feb. 3; Indigency Clinic at PDA Building on Feb. 4,6,11, 13,18 and 20; Feast of St. Apolonia (patron saint of dentists) at the Sta. Cruz Parish Church in Manila on Feb. 10; PWD program which involved giving out of oral health care materials in Braille and handwash facilities at the Philippine National School for the Blind in Pasay City on Feb. 12; dart, billiard and bowling tournaments at Starmall, EDSA on February 23; and a public health forum on Feb. 26.