The Philippine Dental Act of 2007: Overview and Key Provisions

Introduction:

A seven-man Legislation Committee with proven leadership capabilities was appointed on July 6,2004 to review the proposed amendments to the "Philippine Dental Act of 1965" and the passage of a revised and new Dental Act. The committee headed by DR. DIAMPO J. LIM ( Former DEAN UE College of Dentistry & PDA Past President) had Six Members namely:

1) DR.AURELIO B. RAMOS, JR.- Former DEAN UP College of Dentistry & Past Chairman Board of Dentistry;
2) DR. VICTOR R. VALDEZ- Past Speaker PDA House of Delegates;
3) DR. PRIMO E. GONZALEZ-  Former Chairman Board of Dentistry & PDA Past President;
4) DR.ANTONIO A. BALDEMOR- Former Chairman Board of Dentistry
5) DR. NORMAN R. SONGCO- CHAIRMAN, 100 years of  PHILIPPINE DENTISTRY; and
6) DR. HERMOGENES P. VILLAREAL-  PDA Past President

 

The Dental Act of 1965 had been enforced for  more than four decades and certainly amendments were imperative to update and upgrade its provisions to make it conform with the present day realities and standards, and to keep pace with the current developments and activities of the profession and its allied disciplines.

 
Fortunately, a new and entirely revised Dental Act was passed and approved during during the Third Special Sessions of the Thirteenth Congress of the Philippines and signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on June 02, 2007, as  Republic Act No. 9484, and came to be known as the Philippine Dental Act of 2007.
R.A. No. 9484, is now in force and operation, and repeals R. A. No. 4419, known as the Philippine Dental Act of 1965, and R. A. No. 768 or the Philippine Dental Hygienists Law. The new Dental Act provides for the regulation, control, and supervision of the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental technology in the Philippines. This includes the giving of their  respective licensure examinations for the purpose of registration, the accreditation of various specialties of Dentistry, and the promotion and development of continuing Dental Education and Research in the country, and the enforcement of Code of Ethics and Code of Dental Practice in the Philippines.
In lieu of the erstwhile Board of Dental Examiners, renamed Board of Dentistry, the new law created a Professional Regulatory Board of Dentistry under the administrative control and supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission(PRC), composed of a Chairman and four members who shall be appointed by the President. The Board shall be vested with all the powers and functions necessary to carry out the objectives of this present law.
The penal provision for violation of this act, stipulates a fine of not less than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00), nor more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00), or to suffer the imprisonment for a period of not less than Two Years and one day, nor more than Five years, or both, in the discretion of the court.
Over the years of eager waiting, at last through the untiring efforts of the Philippine Dental Association and with the cooperation of the Congress of the Philippines, a Dental Act with its provisions more attuned to the prevailing state of the current times, was realized now in force and effect.

 

The Philippine Dental Act of 2007 is a legislation that regulates the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental technology in the Philippines. It replaces the Philippine Dental Act of 1965 (R.A. No. 4419) and the Philippine Dental Hygienists Law (R.A. No. 768). The new Dental Act aims to ensure the quality and safety of dental services provided to the public by establishing standards and guidelines for dental professionals.

 

One of the key provisions of the Dental Act is the requirement for dental professionals to obtain a license in order to practice dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental technology. The act mandates the creation of licensure examinations specific to each field, which individuals must pass in order to be registered as licensed practitioners. This ensures that only qualified individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills are allowed to provide dental services.

 

The Dental Act also includes provisions for the accreditation of various specialties within dentistry. This allows dentists to pursue further education and training in specific areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. Accreditation ensures that dentists who claim to be specialists have undergone additional training and have met certain competency standards.

 

Furthermore, the Dental Act emphasizes the importance of continuing dental education and research in the country. It promotes the development of programs and initiatives that aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of dental professionals. This focus on continuing education ensures that practitioners stay updated with advancements in dental techniques, technologies, and research findings.

 

In addition to regulating the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental technology, the Dental Act also enforces a Code of Ethics and a Code of Dental Practice in the Philippines. These codes provide guidelines for professional conduct and ethical behavior for all registered dental professionals. They outline principles such as patient confidentiality, informed consent, integrity, and professionalism.

 

Establishment of the Professional Regulatory Board of Dentistry

The Act created a Professional Regulatory Board of Dentistry, which operates under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The board consists of a Chairman and four members appointed by the President. This new regulatory body is responsible for carrying out the objectives of the Act and ensuring the proper regulation of dental practice in the Philippines.

 

Penal Provisions for Violations

The Act imposes stringent penalties for those who violate its provisions. Violators can face a fine of not less than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (P200,000.00) nor more than Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00), or suffer imprisonment for a period of not less than Two Years and one day, nor more than Five years, or both, depending on the discretion of the court.

 

Overall, the Philippine Dental Act of 2007 plays a crucial role in ensuring that dental services in the country are provided by qualified and competent professionals. It aims to protect the public by setting standards for dental practice, promoting continuing education and research, and enforcing ethical behavior among dental professionals.