Tacloban City (February 1) -- The month of February is observed as the National Dental Health Month pursuant to Proclamation 559 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on February 24, 2004.

The presidential proclamation enjoins the country's schools, dental practitioners and relevant government agencies and professional organizations to reach out to more people in the countryside, and make them more conscious of the value of good oral/dental health. Also known as Oral Health Month, the activities will be spearheaded by the Philippine Dental Association, the Philippine Association of Dental Colleges, the Department of Health and the Department of Education.

The month-long activities will feature health advocacy campaign projects such as the "Kabarangay sa Dental health" in some communities and the "Zero Cavity Mission" in public schools which will last until March 2009.

These projects will be featured in national media and accompanied by on-the-ground activities such as free dental checkups, oral health lectures and tooth brushing drills in selected barangays, schools and malls nationwide.

Dental Health Month which carries the theme "Healthy Teeth Campaign" is observed to promote dental health consciousness among the Filipino families.

Through the Healthy Teeth Campaign, the Department of Health promoting regular and proper tooth brushing to avoid occurrence of tooth decay or any gum disease.

DOH in coordination with local government units spearheads in bringing the identified children to the Health Centers, hospitals or identified Examination Posts in the city, municipality or barangay to undergo dental examination.