Philippine Dental Hygienist Law

The existing Board of Dental Examiners under Republic Act No. 417 handles examination and licensing of dental hygienists.
The Secretary of previously appointed Boards serves also as Secretary to this Board for dental hygienist matters.
Board records, deliberations, and examination papers are maintained by the Secretary.
Compensation for Board members is capped at five pesos per candidate examined.
The Board holds enforcement powers akin to those in the Dental Law.
It may adopt necessary rules and submit annual reports to the President on activities and recommendations.

No person may practice as a dental hygienist without a valid certificate of registration issued by the Board.

Dental hygienists may remove dental deposits and stains, apply medicaments for caries prevention, assist dentists, sterilize instruments, and perform other supportive tasks.
They may not perform dental operations reserved for licensed dentists.
All services must be performed under the supervision of a registered dentist.

Licensure examinations occur biannually on the second Tuesday of June and December in Manila or other approved locations.

Must be a Filipino citizen, at least eighteen years old.
Must possess good moral character, be free from contagious disease, and physically fit.
Must have completed four years of high school or equivalent.
Must have graduated from a government-recognized two-year dental hygienist course (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.

The exam covers chemistry, physiology, pharmacology, anatomy, histology, bacteriology, radiography, nursing principles, first aid, hygiene, preventive dentistry, dental health education, ethics, economics, dental assisting, and practical performance tests.

Candidates need a general weighted score of 75% overall, with no subject or practical examination below 60%.

The Board reports results within 120 days to the Commissioner of Civil Service, with recommendations forwarded to the President for approval.

Successful examinees are issued a certificate showing full name, serial number, and signatures of Board members and Secretary.
License remains valid upon timely payment of annual registration fees.

Procedures for refusal, suspension, or revocation of licenses align with the Dental Law.
Re-issuance and replacement of certificates follow similar rules.

Practicing without a valid license, using another's certificate, providing false evidence, impersonation, or using revoked licenses are misdemeanors.
Conviction may lead to fines between ₱1,000 to ₱5,000, imprisonment from one to five years, or both.

The Board may suspend or revoke licenses of dental hygienists violating the law.
Dentists supervising unauthorized operations by hygienists risk suspension or revocation of their licenses.

₱2,000 appropriated from the National Treasury for initial implementation costs.
All collected fees are remitted to the National Treasury.
During the first year, collected fees may offset any expenses beyond the allotted appropriation.

All inconsistent laws, orders, or regulations regarding dental hygiene practice are repealed.