Regulation of Dentistry, Hygiene, and Technology

Regulation, control, and supervision of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental technology.
Administration of licensure examinations for registration.
Accreditation of dental specialties.
Promotion of continuing dental education and research.
Enforcement of the Code of Ethics and Code of Dental Practice.
Penal stipulations for violations.

Dentist: Holder of valid certificate and ID card who performs dental services including operations in the oral cavity, prescriptions, preventive and corrective treatments, teaching, or research; excludes dental technologists and supervised students or hygienists performing allowed procedures.
Dental Hygienist: Holder of valid registration and ID, trained for two years, performing preventive oral health care under dentist supervision.
Dental Technologist: Holder of valid registration and ID, trained in a government-recognized two-year certificate course, providing technical services such as mechanical construction of dentures under dentist supervision.

Composed of a chairman and four members appointed by the President from nominees.
Powers include rulemaking, examination administration, enforcement of standards, accreditation, and disciplinary functions.
Members must be natural-born Filipinos, registered dentists with at least 10 years experience, not connected with dental schools or dental businesses, and without conflicting roles.
Terms last 3 years, with staggered expiration; the last year member becomes chairman.
Compensation is aligned with other regulatory boards; suspension/removal on grounds like neglect or misconduct.

Licensure required for practice; the Board conducts examinations per Commission guidelines.
Qualifications for Dentistry include Filipino citizenship or reciprocity, relevant degree, moral fitness, and refresher course upon multiple exam failures.
Dental Hygiene and Technology applicants must have relevant certificates, moral character, training, and complete refresher courses if needed.
Examinations cover specific subjects per professional category; passing requires at least 75% weighted average and no subject below 50%.
Certificates of Registration and ID cards are issued upon passing and payment of fees; renewals every 3 years.
Registration can be refused or revoked for criminal acts, unethical conduct, incompetence, or misuse of certificates.
Special/temporary permits are issued to foreign dental officers or invited foreign dentists under specific conditions.

Adoption of Codes of Ethics and Dental Practice by the Board.
Automatic registration of previously registered professionals with continued validity of certificates.
Registration without examination granted under specific experience and credentialing conditions within a three-year window.
Dentists and related professionals must display registration credentials conspicuously.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) programs are mandatory with possible exemption at age 65.
Integration of dentists, hygienists, and technologists into one national accredited organization.
Foreign dentists admitted only based on reciprocity agreements.
Maintenance of roster and public availability of registered professionals.

Penalties include fines from P200,000 to P500,000 or imprisonment from 2 years and 1 day up to 5 years, or both.
Offenses include unauthorized practice, aiding illegal practice, use of fraudulent certificates, impersonation, use of revoked certificates, false claims of dental degrees, and false advertising.
Law enforcement agencies at all government levels are mandated to enforce the Act and prosecute violations.
The Secretary of Justice acts as legal adviser to the Board and Commission.

Implementation funding included in the annual General Appropriations.
Existing dental Board continues operating until new Board establishment.
Board to promulgate rules and regulations with the accredited organization and Commission approval.
Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder of the Act.
Previous related laws (RA 4419 and RA 768) are repealed.
Effectivity upon publication in the Official Gazette or newspapers of general circulation.