Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2008-0010)
The primary objective is to strengthen regulatory policy to protect public health and community welfare, ensure high compliance among stakeholders, and consider advances in dental laboratory technology.
Any person, firm, corporation, or entity, whether government or private, operating and maintaining dental laboratories.
No, dental laboratories in schools solely for teaching and training are excluded.
A dental laboratory shall be supervised by a licensed dentist or a dental technologist who ensures compliance with standards and technical requirements.
Technical services include design and fabrication of oral/dental appliances prescribed by dentists, repair of dental appliances, and consultation services for treatment planning.
Imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than one year, or a fine of not less than PHP 200 but not more than PHP 1,000, or both at the discretion of the court.
Violations include operating without a valid LTO, making false statements in the application, refusing inspection, illegal practice of dentistry, displaying misleading signage, and unauthorized branching.
The LTO is valid for three years and expires on the anniversary date of issuance.
The dental laboratory or personnel may file a notice of appeal within 30 calendar days to the DOH Office of the Secretary; the decision of the DOH Office of the Secretary is final and executory.
Submission of notarized application form including list of personnel and equipment, photocopy of current PRC ID if applicable, photocopy of current DTI registration if applicable, and payment of renewal fees.
A surcharge of 50% of the renewal fee is imposed if filed less than a year after expiration; failure to renew for over a year leads to cancellation of registration and payment of arrears.
Both the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services (BHFS) and the Center for Health Development (CHD) are responsible for monitoring dental laboratories.
They assist in handling complaints against dental practitioners and laboratories, report unlicensed laboratories, and help enforce the rules and regulations.
A Dental Technologist is a person holding a valid certificate of registration and professional identification card, who renders technical services within the meaning and intent of R.A. No. 9484, the Philippine Dental Act of 2007.