Riding with a smile

MANILA, Philippines - Oral health problems have been one of the major problems not only for kids who need to keep a perfect attendance at school, but also to the workforce that drives the country’s economy as well.

A simple toothache can leave a person wincing in pain while working. And in some cases, if the pain is unbearable, these workers are left with no choice but to stay at home and let the pain subside. Going to the dentist has never been the first option because of time and budget restraints.

Thousands of commuters pass through Metro Manila’s main artery, EDSA. And the fastest way to go through EDSA is by riding the MRT. Realizing this, the Metro Rail Transit of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC-MRT) partnered with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) and Lamoiyan Corp. to hold a dental outreach program, “Train Ride With A Smile,” to serve not only MRT commuters but MRT employees as well.

The PDA provided the dental services with the help of its Quezon City, San Juan and Caloocan chapters. Three groups of dentists were deployed strategically to stations with high foot traffic, such as the Cubao, Shaw Boulevard, and Ayala stations. Commuters were given free tooth extractions, fluoride application, and Hapee toothpaste.

A Hapee mobile dental clinic truck provided by Lamoiyan Corp. was also deployed at the MRT depot for the PDA’s use to treat MRT-DOTC employees. Aside from tooth extraction and fluoride application, the PDA also offered oral prophylaxis and filling to the employees. Thousands of toothbrushes and Hapee toothpaste were also given away during this one-day outreach program.

MRT-DOTC operations director Renato San Jose together with PDA president Dr. Andy Fernandez and Lamoiyan Corp. president and chief executive officer Cecilio Pedro, personally visited and checked up on the satellite clinics set up at the selected MRT stations.

While they were en route to the stations, the three enjoyed chatting among themselves and with other MRT commuters, riding the train with big smiles.