Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 28)
The rules and regulations apply to any person, firm, corporation, or entity, whether government or private, operating and maintaining dental laboratories, including dental prosthetic laboratories in the Philippines.
A Dental Laboratory is an establishment engaged in making, repairing, providing or altering oral prosthodontic and orthodontic appliances which are returned to the dentist and inserted into the human mouth, including Dental Prosthetic Laboratory services.
Dental laboratories are classified as Private (privately owned and operated) and Government (operated and maintained partially or wholly by any government unit or agency).
They must meet technical licensing standard requirements, have adequate qualified professional and support personnel, maintain a well-ventilated, lighted, clean, safe and adequate physical plant, and have equipment for efficient, hygienic, and safe operation.
Applicants must submit a notarized application form (BHFS-DL Form No. 1), notarized information sheet with picture and vicinity map (BHFS-DL Form No. 2), a photocopy of the Professional Regulation Commission Certificate of the Dentist Consultant, DTI/SEC registration, and barangay clearance.
It is a violation subject to penalties including imprisonment from one month to one year, or a fine ranging from two hundred pesos to one thousand pesos, or both, as well as possible suspension, revocation, or cancellation of the license.
The laboratory must file a notarized application form for renewal (BHFS-DL Form No. 3/CHD-DL Form), submit the original license, provide a photocopy of a valid Professional Regulation Commission Certificate of the Dentist Consultant, and file the renewal application 90 days before the anniversary date.
Violations include operating without a valid license, failure to notify changes in ownership or location, making false statements in applications, refusal of inspection, failure to correct deficiencies, illegal practice of dentistry by dental technicians, selling ready-made appliances, and misleading signage.
The license cannot be assigned or transferred to unauthorized parties. Transfer of physical plant requires informing BHFS within 15 days and applying for a new license at the new location with compliance to requirements.
The BHFS/CHD Director or authorized representatives investigate complaints. If violations are found, they may suspend, cancel, or revoke the license and take the case to judicial authorities for criminal action.