Maintaining one’s dental health may have been difficult in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, but leading health maintenance organization MediCard Philippines Inc. has ensured that its services on that front would continue protecting Filipinos’ teeth and gums.
“During the pandemic, it was a bit of a challenge … to provide dental services and to receive treatment,” said MediCard dental services head Dr. Arnon L. Rivera.
“Knowing that services had to continue, MediCard Dental found ways to still offer oral care services with strict compliance to general health and specific oral health protocols.”
Patients can safely seek treatment in MediCard clinics because these have been reconfigured for improved airflow. It is standard for the company to have people book appointments, then undergo strict triaging and testing. High-quality PPEs guard health workers and clients against infection, too.
MediCard set up TeleDentistry to better manage footfall and provide a low-risk channel, said Rivera. “The goal was to find ways to help alleviate any dental discomforts, treat dental emergency cases and set up a dental treatment plan in time for the new normal.”
The oral cavity is important so belittling its pains would be a mistake, explained the doctor: “Digestion of food begins in the oral cavity, thus optimum nutrition cannot be achieved with poor oral health…. Toothaches and gum inflammation are the worst pains. Joint discomforts, bite difficulties and dental traumas come a close second.”
“The worst-case scenario is developing disease, having an injury, or even losing a portion of your stomatognathic system (the oral cavity to include the teeth and gums, tongue and cheeks, the jaws, muscles and joints)… No amount of artificial replacement, no matter how well fabricated, can replace the natural form and function of our teeth and surrounding structures.”
Patrons have embraced MediCard’s services, reflecting what Rivera claimed that “Filipinos nowadays are more aware of the importance of dental or oral health … thanks to social media, and improved education, institutional programs and access.”
The company has welcomed that awareness with the new-normal changes, said MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya. “We ensured these because we understand how important dental health is to overall health and wellbeing, as well as in culture. On top of the serious repercussions, smiling and talking mean a lot in a highly social Philippines. Deteriorating teeth and gums compromise the quality of life for the Filipino.”
Dental services have always been part of the services at MediCard. Its free-standing clinics, which operated even during tough lockdowns, have offered are routine services (oral examination and diagnosis, oral prophylaxis, fillings, simple extraction, etc.) and comprehensive procedures (gum and restorative treatments, dental prosthetics, oral surgery, etc.).
Those who need assistance may call the hotline ([02] 8841-8080). Aside from the top-notch dental services administered by professionals, Rivera said, MediCard also possesses “an atmosphere of care” where the goal is always accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A call or visit to MediCard also means access to other services, very practical in the new normal, noted Montoya. Medicard’s platforms and clinics are multidisciplinary. Thus, various issues can be resolved in just one trip or call.
“The best success story for us at MediCard Dental is patients that keep on coming back,” said Rivera. “Even more successful is when they bring their other family members, and refer friends and colleagues.”
Such anecdotes, for both Montoya and Rivera, prove that MediCard Dental is true to its tagline, ”Health Beyond Smiles,” even amid the pandemic.
