Celebrity dentist Dr. Sam Bernardo continues to champion better oral health awareness among Filipinos, urging the public to take dental care seriously and not wait until problems become painful before seeking professional help.
As the founder of Awesam Smile Dental Clinic, Bernardo has made patient education and preventive dental care part of her advocacy, emphasizing the importance of regular checkups and proper oral hygiene.
‘The most common issue I notice is that people are unaware of the importance of oral health. They only visit the dentist when their teeth ache,’ Bernardo said.
She stressed that greater awareness can help prevent more serious dental problems, particularly among people who tend to postpone consultations because of cost, fear, or lack of information.
‘If we increase the spread of dental health education, we can reduce dental issues. Another thing I constantly emphasize is that the longer we wait, the worse things will get,’ she added.
Beyond her private practice, Bernardo has also been involved in initiatives aimed at bringing dental services and education closer to communities that have limited access to professional care.
According to Bernardo, some patients in underserved communities are unable to prioritize dental treatment because of their basic needs.
‘They really can’t go to the dentist. So, while we’re doing extractions, we try to teach them the proper way to care for their teeth,’ she said.
She also pointed out the realities faced by families who have to prioritize food and other essential expenses before dental treatment.
‘Of course, we have to understand that they’ll prioritize their basic needs, like food. That’s why we decided to hold this event in Happyland to help those who are suffering from tooth pain,’ Bernardo explained.
For the dentist and oral health advocate, the goal goes beyond treating toothaches. She hopes to encourage Filipinos to develop a more proactive approach to oral health through proper hygiene, regular dental consultations, and early treatment.
Her advocacy also reflects Awesam Smile Dental Clinic’s stated mission of educating patients about oral health practices while providing professional and comfortable dental care.
Bernardo’s message remains simple: dental care should not only begin when pain becomes unbearable. With proper education, prevention, and timely consultation, Filipinos can take better care of their oral health and protect their smiles in the long run.