Issues with Unregulated Preceptorship Programs
- Proliferation of programs operated by dentists without adequate formal academic training.
- Operators often claim expert or specialist status without proper qualifications.
- These practices mislead public and trainee dentists regarding the attainment of specialized skills.
- Such unauthorized claims threaten professional integrity and public safety.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
- Unqualified operation of preceptorship programs constitutes unprofessional, unethical, immoral, and dishonorable conduct.
- Such conduct warrants disciplinary actions by the Board of Dentistry.
- Possible criminal liability under the Revised Penal Code or other related laws.
Regulatory Authority and Objectives
- The Board of Dentistry is empowered to adopt measures for advancing the profession and enforcing the Dental Act.
- The Board aims to regulate, supervise, and monitor post-graduate training centers offering preceptorship programs.
Specific Guidelines for Preceptorship Programs
- Programs must be hospital-based or school-based where dentistry is offered.
- Instructors must have:
- At least two years of academic and clinical training in the specialty from recognized institutions.
- Valid certificate of registration and professional ID.
- Membership in the Philippine Dental Association or accredited national dental organization.
- Training centers must have valid registration/licensing from the CHED or DOH (for oral surgery).
- Both centers and programs require accreditation from the Board of Dentistry with Professional Regulation Commission approval.
- Faculty should be listed in the roster of accredited dental schools, colleges, universities, or tertiary hospitals.
Enforcement and Disciplinary Mechanisms
- The Board may suspend or revoke registration and professional ID of dentists who fraudulently represent themselves as specialists in unauthorized programs.
- This is subject to due process and Professional Regulation Commission approval.
Implementation and Dissemination
- This resolution becomes part of the Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Dental Act of 2007.
- It takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or national newspaper.
- Copies are to be circulated among dental schools, associations, DOH, and hospitals for guidance.
Summary
This resolution establishes stringent guidelines to regulate preceptorship programs, ensuring that only duly qualified and properly accredited individuals and institutions conduct specialty training. It safeguards the public and maintains the dental profession’s standards by prohibiting misrepresentation and unauthorized operation of specialty training programs.