Previous Examination Passing Criteria
- Board Resolution No. 277, Series of 1989 governs passing criteria.
- An examinee must have a General Average Rating of at least 75%, combining both phases.
- Each phase requires a minimum average rating of 70%, and no subject rating below 50%.
- Conditional status arises if average rating is below 70% in one phase despite passing overall, requiring repetition of that phase.
- Examinees scoring below 75% overall but 75% in one phase must retake the other phase.
Issues Identified with Existing System
- Many examinees took the dental exam multiple times (5 to 8 attempts), often passing practical but failing theoretical phase.
- Some failed examinees practiced dentistry illegally despite being unregistered.
- Possession of practical skills without theoretical knowledge poses risks to patient safety.
Rationale for Revision of Examination Procedures
- Emphasis on ensuring cognitive knowledge before practical skills evaluation.
- The Board and dental college deans agreed on modifying the exam system.
New Examination Requirement
- Examinees must first pass the theoretical phase before proceeding to the practical phase.
- Examinees who have passed the theoretical phase can then take only the practical phase.
- Examinees who have passed the practical phase may still take the theoretical phase.
Results Release and Enforcement
- Theoretical phase results shall be released no earlier than one day and no later than two days after the last day of this phase.
- Illegal practice of dentistry by those who failed exam is prohibited.
- Unlawful practitioners are barred from taking the licensure exam and face criminal and/or administrative charges.
Implementation and Effectivity
- This resolution applies starting May 2007 dental licensure exams and thereafter.
- The resolution takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
- Circulation of this policy to all dental schools via the Philippine Association of Dental Colleges for guidance is mandated.