Organization, Duties, and Compensation of the Board
- Board is part of the Bureau of Health.
- Elects a president and a secretary-treasurer annually.
- Secretary-treasurer receives a fixed annual salary; other members compensated per candidate examined.
- All Board receipts deposited into the Insular Treasury.
- Appropriated funds cover Board expenses, including member compensation.
- Secretary-treasurer must post a bond secured by approved sureties.
- Board maintains records of proceedings and registrants with detailed personal and educational data.
Examination Schedule and Requirements for Dental Practice
- Board meets twice yearly in Manila to examine candidates.
- Candidates must present a diploma of doctor of dental medicine or surgery.
- Candidates must demonstrate good moral character and pass comprehensive exams covering dental surgery and related subjects.
Certificate Fees
- Fee for examination admission: 20 pesos.
- Fee for new or temporary certificate: 30 pesos.
- Renewal fee: 2 pesos.
Board’s Reporting and Regulatory Powers
- Annual report submitted to the Director of Health detailing activities and finances.
- Board may establish rules and regulations, subject to approvals, to enforce the Act.
- Private dental schools and university departments subject to Board’s prescribed regulations to ensure uniform teaching standards.
Qualifications for Examination
- Only holders of accredited doctor of dental medicine or surgery diplomas eligible for examination.
- Existing bona fide students of the University of Santo Tomas graduating by specified dates are exempted from this condition.
Eligibility to Practice Dentistry
- Registered dentists from previous act may continue practice after securing new registration within six months.
- Undergraduate dentists with at least three years practice can register and practice anywhere.
- Those with less than three years practice may only practice locally or while completing postgraduate studies.
Definition and Scope of Dental Practice
- Practice includes performing operations on teeth/jaws and treating disease/disorders of teeth.
- Exempts mechanical artisans and dentistry students practicing under supervision.
- Does not interfere with practice of licensed physicians and U.S. military dental surgeons acting within their duties.
Temporary Certificates
- Issued only when Board not in session and will not meet within 30 days.
- Valid until next regular Board exam.
- Not renewable or extendable.
- Requires affidavit to sit for next exam.
- Failure to appear or pass forfeits examination fees.
Grounds for Refusal or Revocation of Certificates
- Conviction for crimes of moral turpitude.
- Immoral, dishonorable conduct or unsound mind.
- Unprofessional conduct, malpractice, incompetency, ignorance, or malicious negligence.
- Fraud or deceit in obtaining certificates.
- Habitual intoxication impeding competence.
- Employing unauthorized persons in dental practice.
- False advertising or misrepresentation of qualifications.
- Revocation after due notice and hearing; appeal possible to the Director of Health whose decision is final.
Display Requirements
- Dentists must display name and certificate conspicuously at office.
- Dental establishments must display names and certificates of all practicing dentists within.
Prohibition Against False Use of Diplomas or Titles
- Unauthorized use of dental degrees or professional titles is prohibited.
- Using fake titles or credentials to represent dental qualifications is illegal.
Penalties
- Violation of any provision punishable by fine up to 1,000 pesos, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, at the court’s discretion.
Repeal of Conflicting Laws
- All Acts or parts inconsistent with this Act are repealed.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon passage on February 5, 1915.