Addressing Oral Health Challenges in Low-Income Communities
In many low-income communities across the Philippines, oral health often takes a backseat to more immediate concerns. This isn’t due to a lack of care but rather because access to dental services and education is limited or simply not available. Recognizing this issue, Dr. Samantha Bernardo has taken it upon herself to make a difference through her community outreach program.
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Since 2017, Dr. Bernardo has organized an annual charity event as a way to give back during her birthday. The initiative offers free dental services and education, aiming to bring relief from pain and restore dignity and confidence among those who have been unable to access proper care.
This year’s focus was on preventive dentistry, which included fluoride treatments for children. Parents were also given grocery packs to support their families. Dr. Bernardo emphasized the importance of these measures, explaining that fluoride strengthens teeth and helps prevent decay. She noted that toothpastes commonly used by people contain only minimal amounts of fluoride, making regular dental check-ups essential.
The event took place at Barangay Tumana in Marikina City, where Dr. Bernardo and her team provided oral prophylaxis, cleaning, and even extractions when necessary. She highlighted that the goal is to ensure that people do not reach the point where their teeth are too damaged to save.
Dr. Bernardo, owner of Awesam Smile Dental Clinic, started the charity event with visits to elderly residents in homes for the aged. However, she soon realized the need to educate more Filipinos about the importance of oral health. This led her to expand the program, focusing on low-income communities. Last year, she visited a community in Tondo, Manila, as part of this effort.
She pointed out that in the Philippines, oral health is often not a priority. Many people only seek dental care when they are in severe pain. This mindset needs to change, and education is key to achieving that. Dr. Bernardo explained that parents play a crucial role in guiding their children’s dental habits, such as how often to brush their teeth and when to replace their toothbrushes.
She stressed that improving oral health requires widespread education. People often wait until it’s too late, leading to more serious issues like tooth extraction. By raising awareness early, the hope is to encourage better dental practices and prevent complications.
Dr. Bernardo’s dental mission has become a tradition, especially during her birthday. She also noted that many Filipinos still have a negative perception of dentists, viewing them as unnecessary or even scary. This fear can be a barrier to seeking proper care.
One common misconception is that dental problems are minor. However, Dr. Bernardo explained that issues like toothaches, TMJ disorders, and even migraines can result from poor oral health. These conditions significantly affect a person’s overall well-being, and it’s important for people to recognize the value of dental care.
To enhance the impact of her outreach program, Dr. Bernardo invited celebrity friends such as actress Kim Rodriguez and social media personality Boss Toyo. Their involvement helps spread awareness and encourages more people to participate. She believes that influencers can help reduce the fear associated with visiting a dentist by making the experience more approachable.
Dr. Bernardo expressed satisfaction with the recent outreach program, which served over a thousand patients. She shared how fulfilling it is to see the positive impact of her work. Starting as the first dentist in her family, she now finds joy in helping others and inspiring those around her.
Her journey has shown that small efforts can lead to significant changes. Through her dedication, Dr. Bernardo continues to make a difference in the lives of many, proving that oral health is not just a personal concern but a community responsibility.
