The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) granted clearance for the conduct of the National Survey on Oral Health (NSOH) in the Philippines of the Department of Health (DOH). The survey will be conducted by Asian Social Project Services, Inc. (ASPSI), a third-party contractor hired by DOH. The NSOH will assess the national oral health status and will serve as an input for updating and developing new policies and strategies, comparing with global trends, and for planning, implementing, and evaluating oral health interventions.

Specifically, the survey aims to determine the following:
     a. The prevalence of the different types and severity of common oral diseases and conditions afflicting Filipinos, particularly focusing on dental caries,         periodontal diseases and soft tissue/abnormal growth in the oral cavity among the World Health Organization-specified index age groups (5, 12,
        15-19, 35-44 and 65-74 year old Filipinos).
     b. Association of behaviors (tooth brushing habits, dental health-seeking behaviors), environmental factors (such as dental services) and other
        related risk factors (such as smoking and eating habits) with dental caries and periodontal disease.

Major data items to be collected in the survey are as follows:
     a. Patient demographic characteristics
     b. Dental erosion severity
     c. Dental trauma status
     d. Oral mucosal lesions
     e. Denture status
     f. Intervention
     g. Surgery
     h. Behavior/environmental factors/other risk associated with dental caries and periodontal disease.

A total of PhP 3.1 million will be utilized to interview 2,600 individuals in Luzon (except National Capital Region) and the Visayas from March to June 2024 with the results expected to be released in September 2024.

The survey was reviewed and cleared for conduct under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism being implemented by the PSA by virtue of Rule 28 of Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10625 to:
a.    Ensure sound design for data collection
b.    Minimize the burden placed upon respondents
c.    Effect economy in statistical data collection
d.    Eliminate unnecessary duplication of statistical data collection efforts
e.    Achieve better coordination of government statistical activities.

In line with this, the PSA enjoins individuals from Luzon (excluding the National Capital Region) and Visayas to participate in the survey conduct of NSOH by providing the truthful information.

For further information on SSRCS, please contact the Statistical Standards Division of the Standards Service with telephone numbers (02) 8376-1928 and (02) 8376-1931, and email address ssd.staff@psa.gov.ph.



 

CLAIRE DENNIS S. MAPA, PhD
Undersecretary
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General