Medical, dental emergency care in schools
Gloria P. Nucom
EVEN during the pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) has seen the need to provide access to health services among students and its personnel who need preventive and curative services.
The agency has ordered the provision of immediate dental and medical emergency care in schools by establishing fully functional clinics. This is to address the high prevalence of dental caries and other health problems during the time of the pandemic, the DepEd said.
The department issued DepEd Order No. 041 or the Guidelines on the Implementation of School Dental Health Care Program (SDHCP) – including Medical and Nursing Services for School Year 2020-2021, in an effort to ensure the maintenance of good oral health among students and personnel.
The DepEd noted that the “most common ailment in oral health” among students and personnel were dental caries and gingivitis, citing recent reports on “Oplan Kalusugan sa DepEd” for SY 2018-2019.
According to the DepEd, the SDHCP will provide students in public schools and personnel health care supplies, which include toothpaste, toothbrush, and soap to all Kinder to Grade 6 learners; application of fluoride varnish to all Kinder to Grade 3, prioritizing all Kinder entrants, if applicable; provision of Tele-consultation, oral examination, simple dental treatment, and referrals to learners and personnel; and establishment of clinics and provision of medical and dental supplies in identified offices and Central Elementary Schools.
The DepEd said all activities in the policy that require the physical presence of learners in school premises are subject to the conditions of partial or full-scale faceto-face classes, should it be approved by the Office of the President.
The implementation of the School Dental Health Care Program for School Year 2020-2021 is aligned to the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The author is Teacher III at Caduang Tete Elementary School, Macabebe,
Pampanga