BONTOC, Mtn. Prov.– Dentists from the whole of Mountain Province conducted a two-day dental mission in Bontoc Mountain Province particularly at Saint Vincent’s School for elementary, junior high and senior high school students on February 6-7, 2018. The activity was coordinated by the provincial DOH office.
The dentists are Dr. Natividad Orprecio– provincial DOH, Dr. Agueda Na-oy of Luis Hora Regional Memorial Hospital of Bauko, Dr. Vavily Alicda–rural health unit of Tadian, Dr. Lyn Dup-et– rural health unit of Bauko, Dr. Fausta Nacatab– Besao District Hospital, Dr. Glory Angawa– DepEd, Dr. Flordeliza Banguigui– DOH hired and Dr. Joylyn Oyam– OFW.
Assisting the dentists are Daphne Palangdosan and Venus Mae Chengay from Bontoc General Hospital, Caesa Guillet and Jebby Manzano from the provincial DOH, Samuel Luy-od from DepEd, Wella Lang-ayan from Tadian, Esther Alcido from Bauko, Johnny Awichen, Jr., dental bus driver and four nursing students from Mountain Province State Polytechnic College.
The activity was in partnership with the family council and the alumni association of the school. Pau Tumapang, Arlene Fillag and this writer from the alumni association were around to witness the activity.
Services offered were oral examination, dental extraction, oral prophylaxis (cleaning of teeth) and dental health education according to Orprecio.
Letty Dacawe, president of the school’s family council was very thankful and hope next year all grade levels will be accommodated. ‘We thank our dentists of Mountain Province. This activity is very helpful to our students and our elementary pupils.’
When asked of their feelings after reaching out to the students, ‘Very happy, satisfied and great. We have a lot of patients.’ Orprecio said while Dup-et added, ‘Very satisfied.’
Some students who availed of the dental mission interviewed mentioned that they were appreciative for the MP dentists’ big hearts and truly an advance Valentine’s gift for them. **Ferdie Cariño Castañeda
