Examination Rating Standards Under R.A. No. 9484
- Section 16, Article III mandates the Board licensure examination comprises written and practical tests.
- To pass, examinees must achieve a weighted average of at least 75%, with no grade below 50% in any subject.
Need for a Simplified and Weighted Grading System
- A simplified grading system was required to place greater emphasis on the theoretical phase.
- The system aligns with Board Resolution No. 07, Series of 2006, which required passing the theoretical phase before the practical phase.
- Consultation with the Philippine Association of Dental Colleges was conducted before adoption.
New Grading System and Passing Requirements
- Examinees must obtain a general weighted average of 75% or higher, with no grade below 50% in any subject, combining theoretical and practical phases with weights of 60% and 40%, respectively.
- Theoretical phase must be passed first with a minimum average of 75% and no subject below 50% to proceed to practical phase.
- The practical phase grade, also with no subject below 50%, contributes to the overall weighted average.
Conditions on Taking the Practical Phase
- An examinee must take the practical phase immediately after passing the theoretical phase.
- If unable to take the practical phase as scheduled, the examinee has up to three consecutive practical phase exams to comply.
- Failure to appear for four consecutive practical phase exams cancels the passed theoretical phase, requiring retaking of the theoretical phase.
Retake and Partial Passing Policies
- According to Board Resolution No. 277, Series of 1989, examinees who pass one phase may retake only the other phase.
- Passing the retaken phase results in passing the entire licensure examination.
Implementation and Dissemination
- The resolution applies starting with the December 2008 licensure examinations and onwards.
- Effective 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a general circulation newspaper.
- Copies are distributed to dental schools and colleges through the Philippine Association of Dental Colleges for graduate guidance and information.