Process Evaluation of the Department of Health-Center for Health Development's Oral Health Program for Older People in CALABARZON

The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) recognized the importance of evaluating the oral health of older adults due to theaging population and the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal diseases. This process evaluation research examined the DOH Center for Health Development CALABARZON’s implementation of the oral health program for individuals aged 60 and above, focusing on program fidelity, service target achievement, and facilitators and barriers. Data were collected through a review of published data and interviews with program managers. The analysis included content analysis of transcripts and program documents, as well as time series analysis of period data. From 2009 to 2022, the DOH reached at least 30% of the older population in half of those years. Factors that facilitated this output included an improved dentist-to-population ratio and dental missions. However, challenges, such as uneven support from local government units (LGUs), the absence of law mandating LGUs to follow oral health guidelines, and the non-inclusion of preventive dental services from PhilHealth packages,hindered access to basic oral health care. Additionally, the centrality of the Orally Fit Child program within the country’s oral health framework may have detracted attention from the dental needs of older adults.