Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 417)
Republic Act No. 417 is officially titled the 'Dental Law.'
The Board of Dental Examiners is composed of three members, one designated as chairman, all appointed by the Secretary of Health.
Members must be Filipino citizens, residents of the Philippines, holders of a Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from a reputable school, at least 30 years old, duly registered dentists with at least five years of practice, and must not be faculty members or have pecuniary interest in dental schools.
The Board may administer oaths, issue, suspend, revoke or reissue certificates of registration, investigate violations of the Act, issue subpoenas, inspect dental schools, and adopt measures for the advancement and enforcement of dental practice standards.
Practicing dentistry includes performing operations on the human mouth, teeth, jaws, or surrounding tissues; treating oral diseases or lesions; and correcting malpositions of teeth. Exceptions include artisans making dentures without intraoral procedures, dental students under supervision, qualified dental hygienists within their scope, and physicians practicing according to the Medical Law.
Examinations are held twice a year on the second Tuesday of June and December in Manila or other approved locations.
Applicants must be Filipino citizens, at least 21 years old, of good moral character, have completed a four-year high school course or equivalent, have a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from an accredited school, and have attended all required courses.
Any person practicing dentistry without a valid certificate or exempt status, or who uses false credentials, may be fined between 1,000 and 5,000 pesos, imprisoned from one to five years, or both, at the court's discretion.
Causes include conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude, immoral or dishonorable conduct, unprofessional conduct, malpractice, incompetency, fraudulent practices, habitual intoxication affecting competency, employing unauthorized persons for dental work, and false advertising of professional skills.
Every registered practicing dentist must conspicuously display their name, certificate of registration, and a certificate of health in their office.