’ , . %  
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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9
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
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First Regular Session 
1 
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S E N A T E  
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Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Republic Act No. 4419, otherwise known as “The Philippine Dental Act of 1965,” 
was approved on June 19, 1965 mainly to provide for the regulation, control and 
supervision of the practice of dentistry in the Philippines. Experts consider the practice 
of dentistry as one of the leading and important professions in the Philippines today. In 
fact, economist have expressed major concern over the dental health problems of the 
country stating that, “in economic terms, every tooth affected means the loss of 
productivity of two days.” More than thirty years after the approval of R. A. 4419, it is 
believed that the law no longer reflects the present state of dental profession due to 
economic developments, scientific advances and technological trends that need to be 
addressed. 
Thus the proposed bill seeks to amend R. A. 4419 for the purpose of 
encouraging Filipino dentist prepare themselves for global competition and keeping 
them abreast of socio-economic development, scientific advances and technological 
breakthroughs. Among the salient features of the proposed measure are the following 
namely: 
1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
to safeguard the public against those who would be specialists who do not 
meet the necessary qualifications of a specialist, by regulating the 
proliferation of specialty groups; 
to conform with provisions of Presidential Decree No. 223, as amended, 
creating the Professional Regulation Commission; 
To eliminate the possibility that unlicensed graduates of dentistry embark 
in illegal practice; 
To upgrade the standard of the profession by requiring those who had 
failed three times in the Board Examinations to take a refresher course for 
one year in a dental school or college accredited by the Professional 
Regulation Commission. 
To enhance the profession by seeking congressional funding for the 
Council for the Advancement of Dental Research; 
To further protect the private practitioners and the public as well; by 
increasing the penalty for any violation of the measure with a fine ranging 
from Fifty thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO) to Two hundred thousand pesos 


(P200,OOO.OO) or imprisonment of not less than ten years and one day nor 
more than twenty years, or both; and 
7. 
To make the Regulatory Code of Dental Practice as an integral part of the 
proposed measure. 
In the light of government’s objective to prepare Filipino professionals toward 
modernization and globalization, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
ClTO ESTWDA 


D
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I 
i I  ’ 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
i 
I 
L - ,  
- 3 -  
9 
1
1
 
First Regular Session 
1 
S. B. N0.104 
~ 
~~~ 
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
Ah ACT 
UPGRADING THE STANDARD OF DENTAL PROFESSlONi 
IN THE PHILIPPINES 
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT. NO. 4419 ENTITLED, “AN ACT 
TO REGULATE THE PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES” 
Be if enacted by the Senate and House of Represenfative of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Shod Tifle. This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Dental 
Reform Act of 2004.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Puky. It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to encourage Filipino professionals prepare themselves for global competition. To this 
end, the government shall take necessary steps to upgrade the standards in the 
practice of dental profession in the Philippines to keep abreast of socio-economic 
development, scientific advances and technological breakthroughs. 
SECTION 3. Republic Act No. 4419, otherwise known as the “Philippines Dental 
Act of 1965” is hereby amended to read as follows: 
ARTICLE 1. - Title of Act 
SEC. 1. Title of Act. - This Act shall be known as “The Philippine Dental 
REFORM Act of [I9651 2004.’’ 
ARTICLE II. - Objectives and Implementation 


SEC. 2. Objectives. - This Act provides for (a) the regulation control and 
supervision of the practice of dentistry in the Philippines, (b) the giving of 
licensure examinations to graduates of recognized [dental] school OF 
DENTISTRY' for the purpose of registration; (C) THE ACCREDITATION, 
MONITORING AND SUPERVISION, OF THE VARIOUS SPECIALTIES; 
[(c)] (D) the regulation and standardization of UNDERGRADUATE AND 
POST GRADUATE CONTINUING DENTAL EDUCATION; [(d)] (E) the 
promotion and development of dental research in the country; (F)THE 
ENFORCEMENT OF THE REGULATORY CODE ETHICS AND DENTAL 
PRACTICE IN THE PHILIPPINES WHICH IS HEREBY MADE AN 
INTEGRAL PART OF THIS ACT; AND [(e)] (G) the stipulation of penalties 
for infraction and violations of this Act, or any other laws, rules and 
regulation authorized under the provision of this Act. 
SEC. 3. lmplementation - For the purpose of attaining or carrying out the 
objectives of this Act, and in order to implement the [other] provisions 
thereof, [there are created] the following agencies ARE HEREBY 
CREATED: (A) [The] Board of [Dental Examiners] DENTISTRY; (b) [The] 
council [on] OF Dental Education; and (c) [the] Council for the 
Advancement of Dental Research. 
"ARTICLE Ill. - The Board of [Dental Examiners] 
DENTISTRY 
SEC. 4. Composition. - The Board of [Dental Examiners] DENTISTRY 
shall composed of five members to be appointed by the President of the 
Philippines 
from 
among 
[candidates 
certified] 
NOMINEES 
RECOMMENDED 
BY 
THE 
PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATION 
COMMISSION AS NOMINATED by the Philippines Dental Association 
[and/or any other bona fide dental association,] upon the recommendation 
of its constituent chapter societies [for affiliate organizations,] as 
possessing the qualifications prescribed in Section [Five] 5 of this Act [, 
said appointments being subject to confirmation by the Commission of 
Appointments]. 
SEC. 5. Qualifications. - [The] A member[s] of the Board shall, at the time 
of HIS appointment FOR THE DURATION OF HIS INCUMBENCY: (a) be 
a natural born citizen of the Philippines and actually A resident thereof; (B) 


BE OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY AS CERTIFIED 
BY THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT; [(b)] (C) be a duly registered dentist in 
the Philippines; [(c)] (D) must have had at least ten years practice of the 
profession; (E) MUST HAVE AT LEAST FIVE (5) CONSECUTIVE YEARS 
TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND MUST HAVE A POST GRADUATE 
EDUCATION IN DENTISTRY; [(d)] (F) must not be a member of the 
UNDERGRADUATE faculty of any school, college of university where 
dentistry is taught, nor shall have directly or indirectly, any pecuniary 
interest in such institution FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS PRIOR 
TO HIS APPOINTMENT; [(e)] (G) must not be connected in any capacity 
with any business enterprise, firm or company engaged in the buying, 
selling or manufacture of dental goods, equipment, materials or supplies 
FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS PRIOR TO HIS APPOINTMENT; 
and [Q] (H) must be a member of good standing of the Philippine Dental 
Association [and/or any other bona fide dental association] AAND HIS 
LOCAL CHAPTER SOCIETY for the last five years. PROVIDED, 
HOWEVER, THAT NO MEMBER OF THE BOARD MAY QUALIFY TO 
ANYPPOSITION, ELECTIVE OR APPOINTIVE, IN THE PHILIPPINE 
DENTAL ASSOCIATION AND/OR OTHER DENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 
DULY ACCREDITED 
BY THE 
PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATIION 
COMMISSION DURING HIS INCUMBENCY. 
SEC. 6. [Tenure] T€RM of Office. - The member of the board 
serve for a term of five (5) years. [Provided, however, That not more than 
one member shall be appointed for the full term within the same calendar 
year, and that appointments shall be made to fill existing vacancies only 
so that the term of one member shall be due to expire every year: 
Provided, further, That] The member serving the last year of his term shall 
automatically become the chairman of the Board, and shall not be 
[entitled] ABLE to succeed himself immediately after the expiration of his 
tenure of office; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT APPOINTMENT FOR 
ANY EXISTING VACANCY OR VACANCIES SHALL BE MADE WITHIN 
ONE MONTH FROM THE TIME THE VACANCY OCCURRED FOR THE 
UNEXPIRED TERM ONLY, SO THAT THE TERM OF ONE MEMBER 
SHALL BE DUE TO EXPIRE EVERY YEAR. 
shall 
SEC. 7. Compensation - The CHAIRMAN AND member of the Board shall 
[each] receive [as] A BASIC compensation, [a fee of ten pesos per capita 


of candidates examined] AS PROVIDED BY THE PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATION COMMISSION. [The chairman of the Board shall received 
no extra compensation.] 
SEC. 8. Removal from office. Any member of the Board, including the 
chairman, may be removed for [incompetency or continued neglect of 
duty, for commission or toleration of irregularities in the examination, or for 
unprofessional or dishonorable conduct,] ANYOF THE FOLLOWING 
CAUSES after a proper administrative investigation: (A) INCOMPETENCE 
OR NEGLECT OF DUTY,(B) COMMISSION OR TOLERANCE OF 
IRREGULARITIES IN THE QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS, AND (C) 
UNPROFESSIONALS OR DISHONORABLE CONDUCT. 
SEC. 9. Power vested in fhe Board - The Board of [Dental Examiners] 
DENTISTRY is vested with authority, conformably with the provision of 
this Act[,]: to issue, suspend or revoked certificates of registration for the 
practice of dentistry, or to reissue the same, subject to the [approval of the 
President of the Philippines] DECISION OF THE PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATION COMMISSION[,]; (8) [The shall have the power] to 
administer oaths[,] TO NEW DENTISTS; (C) to investigate violations of 
this Act or other laws and regulations within the jurisdiction of the Board, 
and for the purpose, it may, under the hand of this chairman and SEAL OF 
THE Board, issue a summons, subpoena or subpoena duces tecum to 
alleged violators of this Act and witnesses thereof, and thereby compel 
their attendance[,]; [The Board shall also have the power to visit dental 
school to determine whether the minimum requirements prescribed by law 
and/or the Council on Dental Education are complied with. The Board 
shall exercise the power conferred upon it by this Act, shall from time to 
time] (D) TO look FROM TIME TO TIME into the conditions affecting the 
practice of dentistry in the Philippines[,and]: (E) whenever necessary, TO 
adopt or recommend such measures, or discharge such duties, as maybe 
deemed proper for the advancement of the profession[ , the maintenance 
of accepted ethical and technical standards,] and the vigorous 
enforcement of this Act; AND (F) TO ACCREDIT AND REGULATE 
CENTERS 
OFFERING 
REVIEW 
COURSES, 
STUDY 
CLLUBS, 
REFRESHER 
COURSES, 
SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS 
AND 
CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS, NOT UNIVERSITY BASED 
EXCEPTSPRC ACCREDITED SPECIALTY ORGANIZATION. 


SEC. 10. Rules and Regulation. - The Board of [Dental Examiners] 
DENTISTRY, with the approval of the [Commission of Civil Service] 
P R 0 F E S S I 0 N AL RE G U L AT I 0 N C 0 M M I S S I 0 N s h a I I prom u I g a te [and] 
adopt AND IMPLEMENT such rules and regulations !as may be 
necessary] to [implement or] carry out the provisions of this Act, specially 
those relating to the proper conduct of the examinations, custody and 
correction of examination papers, registration of dentist, and enforcement 
of the Code of Ethics for dentists]. 
SEC. I I. Secretary of the Board. - The secretary of the PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATORY Board[s of Examiners] SHALL BE appointed BY THE 
COMMISSIONER 
OF 
THE 
PROFESSIONNAL 
REGULATION 
COMMISSION [in accordance with Section one of Republic Act Numbered 
Five hundred forty-six shall also be the secretary of the Board of Dental 
Examiners.] SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF EXISTING LAWS. All 
records and minutes of the deliberations and proceedings of the Board, 
[including examination papers], and other confidential documents[,] shall 
be kept [by the Civil Service Commission] under the direct custody of the 
[secretary of the Board] PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION. 
The secretary shall also keep a complete register of all persons to whom 
certificates of registration as dentist have been issued, indicating the 
name, sex, issued, date and place of birth, post office address, the name 
of the school or university where the registrant graduated, date of 
graduation and the date [when he passed] OF AND RATING IN the 
qualifying examinations. 
Sec. 12. Annual Report. - The Board shall, within sixty days after the 
close of each fiscal year, prepare and submit an annual report to the 
[President of the Philippines] COMMISSIONER OF THE PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATION COMMISSION which shall include a detailed account of 
the proceedings of the Board during the year, an up-to-date register of 
dentists in the country, [indicating those in private practice and those in 
the government service,] and [embodying such] recommendation as the 
Board may desire to make 
ARTICLE IV. - Examination and Registration 
I 


SEC. 13. Prerequisite to the practice of dentistry. - Unless specially 
exempt and authorized by this Act, no person shall engage in the practice 
of dentistry in the Philippines without a certificate of registration as dentist 
issued to him by the Board of[Dental of Examiners] DENTiSTRY after 
successfully passing the required qualifying LICENSURE examination 
FOR DENTISTS. 
SEC. 14. Definition of practice of Dentistry. - A person shall be regarded 
as [engage in the practice oq PRACTICING dentistry or rendering dental 
service, within the meaning and intent of this Act, who shall for fee, salary, 
compensation, or [any form ofj reward, paid to him or through another, or 
even without such compensation or reward, perform any operation or part 
an operation, upon the human mouth, jaws, teeth, and surrounding 
tissues; prescribed drugs or medicines for the treatment of oral diseases 
and lesions; or correct malpositions of the teeth: Provided, however, That 
this provision shall not apply to artisans or DENTAL technicians engaged 
in the mechanical construction of artificial dentures or fixture and other 
oral devices, as long as non such procedures is done inside the mouth of 
the patient; ‘ nor shall this provision apply to students of dentistry 
undergoing practical training in a legally constituted dental school of 
college under the direction or supervision of a member of the faculty who 
is duly licensed to practice dentistry in the Philippines; or to registered 
dental hygienists serving as [dentists’] DENTAL assistants who may be 
allowed to perform PREVENTIVE oral [prophylaxis and such other] 
HYGIENE procedures which the law regulating the practice of dental 
hygienists may permit; OR TO UNDERBOARD DENTAL GRADUATED 
WORKING 
AS 
DENTAL 
ASSISTANTS 
TO 
LICENSED 
AND 
REGISTERED DENTISTS AUTHORIZED TO ORACTICE DENTISTRY IN 
THE PHlLiPPINES WHO ARE ENGAGED IN PRIVATE PRACTICE 
PROVIDED THAT, THESEUNDERBOARD DENTAL GRADUATES 
WORK UNDER THEIR DIRECT SUPERVISION. 
’ 
SEC. 15. €xemption from registration. - Certificates of registration shall 
not be required of commissioned dental officers of the army, navy and air 
forces of any foreign country, whose operations in the Philippines are 
permitted by the Government, while rendering DENTAL services as such 
for the members of said forces only; and of dentists or oral surgeons from 
, 
other countries who are invited for consultations [or] AND demonstration, 


Provided, that in such cases their work shall be limited to the specific 
tasks assigned to them[,and]; Provided, Further, that a [previous authority 
has been granted by the Board of Dental Examiners who shall have the 
discretion to determine the duration of said authority] SPECIAL PERMIT 
HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY GRANTED BY THE BOARD OF DENTISTRY 
STATING THEREIN THE DURATION OF SUCH PERMIT, but in no case 
shall it exceed the period of [thirty] FIFTEEN (15) days; PROVIDED, 
FURTHER, THAT THE PHILIPPINE DENTAL ASSOCIATION THROUGH 
ITS CONSTITUENT CHAPTER AND AFFILIATE SHALL MONITOR 
SUCH ACTIVITIES. 
SEC. 16. Frequency of examination. Licensure examination for candidates 
desiring to practice dentistry in the Philippines shall be conducted by the 
Board twice a year in Manila, the first examination to be held not earlier 
than two months nor later than three months after the termination of the 
school year, the second to be held six month thereafter, subject to 
approval of the [Commission of the Civil Service] PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATION COMMISSION. The Board shall publish or cause to be 
published the date[sj of examination, or any change thereof, at least 
ninety days before the scheduled examination. 
SEC. 17. Qualification for admission for examination. - In order to be 
admitted to the licensure examination for dentists, an applicant must, at 
the time of his filing application [thereofl THEREFORE, establish to the 
satisfaction of the Board that: (a) he is a citizen of the Philippines; OR IF 
HE A CITIZEN OF ANY FOREIGN COUNTRY, THAT HE SATISFIES 
THE REQUIREMENT FOR RECIPROCITY AS CONTEMPLATED 
UNDER SECTION 38 OF THIS ACT, AS WELL AS THE PROVISION OF 
THE RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES 
WHETHER AN EXAMINATION IS REQUIRED OR NOT; (b) he 
possesses good moral character; [(c)] he had finished at least a two-year 
pre-dental course which complies with the minimum requirements of the 
Council on Dental Education; and [(d)] (C) he [shall be a holder of the 
degree of either] IS A GRADUATE OF RECOGNIZED AND LEGALLY 
CONSTITUTED UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE, SCHOOL OR INSTITUTE 
WITH A DEGREE OF Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) [or Doctor of 
Dental Surgery (D.D.S.),] or [their] ITS equivalent[s, conferred a holder of 
the degree of either] IS A GRADUATE OF RECOGNIZED AND LEFALLY 


CONSTITUTED UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE, SCHOOL OR INSTITUTE 
WITH A DEGREE OF Doctor of Dental medicine (D.M.D.) [or Doctor of 
Dental Surgery (D.D.S.),] or [their] ITS equivalentls, conferred by a 
recognized and legally constituted, university, college, school or 
instituted.]; AND (D) IF HE HAD FAILED IN EITHER THE EXAMINATION 
FOR DENTISTS FOR THREE TIMES, "HE MUST TAKE A REFRESHER 
COURSE FOR ONE YEAR IN A DENTAL SCHOOL OR COLLEGE 
ACCREDITED NY THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION; 
PROVIDED 
THAT, 
SUCH 
APPLICANT 
MUST 
PRESENT 
A 
CERTIFICATION TO THIS EFFECT FROM THE DEAN OF THE 
COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY WHERE HE TOOK THE REFRESHER 
COURSE; AND PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT THIS GIVES THE 
APPLICANT OPPORTUNITY FOR ANOTHER THREE EXAMINATION 
THEREAFTER. 
SEC. 18. Scope of examination. - The licensure examination for the 
practice of dentistry in the Philippines shall consist of both written and 
performance tests, the scope of which shall be determined and prescribed 
by the Board, taking into consideration the teaching plans and educational 
I 
standards of the state and private dental college in the country. It shall 
include such subjects as general anatomy, oral anatomy, general 
[histology, oral histology] AND 
MICROSCOPIC ANATOMY 
and 
embryology, general pathology, [oral pathology'] general physiology, oral 
physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, [biochemistry,] oral diagnosis 
and treatment planning, oral surgery, [anesthesia] ANESTHESIOLOGY, 
[dental] roentgenology, periodontics, endodontics, 
nutrition, dental 
materials, restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, orthodontics,, [public 
health dentistry,] dental jurisprudence AND ETHICS, [dental economic 
ethics , ] P E DO DON TICS , C OMM U N ITY DE NTI STRY , and [private] 
PRACTICE management. It shall be the duty of the Board to prepare the 
schedule of subjects [in] ON the written TEST, and THE EXERCISES IN 
THE performance test[s], and to publish the same as approved at least 
two months before the date of examination wherein they are to be used. 
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE SUBJECTS AND EXERCISE FOR 
WHICH 
EACH 
BOARD 
MEMBERS 
SHALL 
BE 
ASSIGNEDRESPECTIVELY MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS 
FIELD OF PRACTICE AND SPECIALTY OR EXPERTISE AS DEEMED 
PROPER AND JUDICIOUS BY THE COMMISSION. 


SEC. 19. Report of rafings. - The Board of [Dental Examiners] 
DENTISTRY shall, within [one hundred] SIXTY (60) days after the last 
day of the examination, report the ratings obtained by each candidate to 
the Commiss.ioner of [Civil Service] THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION 
COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL AND RELEASE[,]; [who shall, with his 
recommendation, submit such results to the President of the Philippines 
for approval and release.] PROVIDED, THAT FOR AS LONG AS THE 
LICENSURE EXAMINATION SHALL CONSIST OF BOTH WRITTEN 
AND PERFORMANCE TESTS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF RANKING THE 
SUCCESSFUL EXAMINEES IN THE LIST TO BE RELEASED FOR 
PUBLICATION, THE GRADES ON BOTH THE WRITTEN AND 
PERFORMANCE TESTS SHALL BE TAKEN ON THE AVERAGE; AND 
PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT FOR PURPOSES OF PASSING AND/OR 
REPEATING SUBJECT/SUBJECTS FAILED IN, THIS SHALL BE IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE 
BOARD AS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION. Failure on the part of 
the Board to report the ratings within the specified time shall mean 
forfeiture of fifty percent of the compensation due the members of the 
Board in that particular examination. 
SEC. 20. lssuance of certificates. - Certificate of registration as dentist 
shall, upon the recommendation of the Board AND THE PROFESSINAL 
REGULATION COMMISSION, be issued to any applicant [who] after [the 
approval of his ratings by the Commissioner of Civil Science and the 
President of the Philippines and the] payment of the required registration 
fee[, has satisfactorily meet all the requirements specified in this Act:]; 
Provided, however, That no certificate of registration shall be issued to 
any applicant who has not reached LEGAL age [of twenty-one years]. 
Every ‘certificate of Registration shall show the full name of the 
registrant, shall have the serial number, and must be signed by the 
Chairman and the members of the Board, AND the Commissioner of [Civil 
Service and secretary of the Board] THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION 
COMMISSION, and shall be authenticated by the official seal of the Board 
AND OF THE COMMISSION. The issuance by the Board of A certificate 
of registration to the registrant shall be evidence that the person named 
therein is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a registered dentist 
while said certificate remains unprovoked or unsuspended. 


SEC. 21. Fees for examination and registration. - Every applicant to the 
licensure examination for [dentists] DENTISTRY shall pay an examination 
fee [of sixty pesos] and a [fee often pesos for] registration FEE AS 
DETERMINED AND FIXED BY THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATION 
COMMISSION. 
' 
SEC. 22. Refusal to issue cerfifcates for certain causes. - The Board of 
Dental Examiners shall refuse to issue a certificate of registration: (A) to 
any person convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal 
offense involving moral turpitude, OR OF ANY CRIMINAL OFFENSE 
PUNISHABLE BY IMPRISONMENT OF AT LEAST THREE (3) YEARS 
AND ONE DAY; [AND] (B) to any person guilty of immoral or dishonorable 
conduct; [or] (C) to person of unsound mind[,]; or (D) TO those suffering 
from communicable or contagious diseases. In the event of such refusal, 
the Board shall giver the applicant a written statement setting for the 
reason or reasons for its action, which statement shall be incorporated in 
the records of the Board. 
SEC. 23. Revocation and suspension of certificates. - The Board shall 
also have the power to RECOMMENDED [revoke] To NULLIFY or 
suspend the validity of the certificate of registration of a dentist for any of 
the causes mentioned in the preceding section, or for (A) unprofessional 
and unethical conduct[,]; (B) malpractice[,]; (C) incompetence, [or] 
negligence in the practice of dentistry[,]; (D) willful destruction or mutilation 
of a natural tooth of a patient with the deliberate purpose of substituting 
the same by an unnecessary or unessential artificial tooth[,]; (E) for 
making used of fraud, deceit of false statements to obtain a certificate of 
registration; (F) for [habitual use of intoxicating liquors or drugs,] 
ALCOHOLISM OR DRUG ADDICTION causing him to become 
incompetent to practice dentistry; [GI for the employment of persons who 
are not duly authorized to do the work which under this Act can only be 
done by person who have certificates of registration to practice dentistry in 
the Philippines (H) for the employment of deceit or any form of fraud with 
the public in general or some clients in particular for the purpose of 
extending his clientele; [I] for making false advertisements, publishing or 
circulating fraudulent or deceitful allegations regarding professional 
attainment skill or knowledge, or the methods of treatment employed by 
him[:]; OR (J) UTTER DISREGARD AND CONTINUED VIOLATION OF 


ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATORY CODE OF 
DENTALPRACTICE IN THE PHILIPPINES ; Provided, however, That the 
action of the Board in the exercise of this power shall be appealable [only] 
to the [President of the Philippines whose decisions in such cases shall be 
f i n a I ] PRO F E S S I 0 N AL REG U L AT I 0 N C 0 M M IS S I 0 N . 
SEC. 24. Reissue of revoked certificate and replacement of lost one. - 
The Board may, after the expiration of five years from the date of 
revocation of a certificate of registration, for reasons it may deem 
sufficient, entertain any person whose certificate has been revoked, in the 
same manner as application for an original certificate, and in so doing it 
may in its discretion, exempt the applicant from the necessity of 
undergoing another examination. A fee [of ten pesos shall] TO be charged 
for the issuance of a new certificate of registration to replace any 
certificate lost, destroyed or mutilated [may be] issued [subject to] IN 
ACCORDANCE WllTH the rules of the Board [and a charge of five pesos 
shall be madej SHALL BE AS FIXED BY THE PROFESSIONAL 
REG U LATlO N COMM IS S IO N . 
ARTICLE V. - The Council on Dental Education 
SEC. 25. Functions. - The Council on Dental Education shall be a policy- 
making body under the [Secretary of Education] CHAIRMAN OF THE 
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION, charged with the responsibility 
of regulating and standardizing [dental] education in the country. To be 
effective in carrying out its objectives, the Council shall have the following 
functions: (a) to recommended the minimum requirements for the physical 
plants and other facilities of school or colleges of dentistry; (d) to 
[determine] RECOMMEND and prescribed the minimum number and 
qualifications of the teaching personnel, including student-teacher ratio; 
I 
(e) to require internship or any form of hospital training in a teaching 
hospital as a pre-requisite to graduation in a dental college[, provided that 
no such requirement shall be made effective earlier than two years after 
the approval of this Act]; (f) to inspect or visits schools or college in 
connection with the functions of the Council as herein provided; (G) TO 
MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF THE 
DENTAL SCHOOLS WHICH DO NOT UPDATE THEIR FACILITIES AND 
THOSE WITH 
DISMAL FAILURES IN THE 
DENTAL BOARD 


LICENSURE EXMINATION; AND [(g)] (H) to adopt and enforce such rules 
and regulations as are necessary for the proper implementation of the 
objectives of the Council. 
SEC. 26. Composition. - The Council on Dental Education shall be 
composed of (A) the CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER 
[Secretary ofl Education (CHED) OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE [, as 
chairman]; (B) Undersecretary of Education, as vice-chairman; the 
Director of Public Schools,] the chairman of the Board of [Dental 
examiners,] DENTISTRY; (C) the President of the Philippines Dental 
Association or [any other bona fide national dental association,] HIS 
REPRESENTATIVE; (D) [a dean-representative of private dental colleges, 
to be chosen by] the PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF deans of [said 
private] ASSOCIATION OF PHILIPPINE dental colleges OR HIS 
REPRESENTATIVE [,I; and (E} the dean of the [College of Dentistry,] 
University of the Philippines, COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY OR HIS 
REPRESENTATIVE [AS MEMBERS]. [The chairman and members of the 
Council shall as such only during their incumbency in their respective 
positions.] 
SEC. 27. Secretary of the Council. - The Council of Dental Education may 
designate [the] AN administrative officer or any subordinate official of the 
[Department] of Education] CHED to serve as secretary of the Council, 
[and as such he] WHO shall keep a complete record of the proceeding, 
communications and deliberation of the Council. 
SEC. 28. Compensation. - The chairman, members, secretary of the 
Council on Dental Education shall [not] be entitled to [any compensation] 
HONORARIUM AS DETERMINED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 
COUNCIL [, except those authorized by their respective offices and such 
other expenses as are necessary in the performance of their official duties 
as 
herein 
provided]. 
THE 
SUM 
NECESSARY 
FOR 
THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE TAKEN FROM THE 
APPROPRIATIONS OF THE CHED. 
SEC. 29. Session. - The Council shall hold its regular session every 
month at such time and places to be designated by the chairman of the 


council. Special session may be called by the chairman or upon [the] 
request of petition of a majority of the members of the Council. 
SEC. 30. Aufhorify. - The Council is hereby authorized by this Act to 
determine, prescribe or modify the length of studies [of] FOR the pre- 
dental and the regular dental course, provided that the preparatory course 
shall not be less than two years nor more than four years, and in the case 
of the regular course, it shall not be less than four years nor more than six 
years, AND IN THE CASE OF POSTGRADUATE OR GRADUATE 
COURSE, NOT LESS THAN ONE YEAR BUT NOT MORE THAN FOUR 
YEARS. 
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IN ALL ITS FUNCTIONS 
HEREIN PROVIDED, THE COUNCIL SHALL AT AS A BODY, OR, UPON 
A VOTE OF THE MAJORITY OF ITS MEMBERS. 
I 
ARTICLE VI. - The Council for the Advancement of Dental Research 
SEC. 31. 
Funcfions. - The Council for the Advancement of Dental 
Research shall be a policy-making body, charged with the responsibility of 
promoting and developing dental research in the country. In order to carry 
out its objectives, the Council shall have the following functions: (a) To 
devise and work out a plan to establish a dental RESEARCH center, [with] 
FOR the promotion of [dental research as] its [principal] goal; (b) [To 
determine and recommend the raising of the necessary funds to finance 
this research project, either through the solicitation of funds from private 
sources or by direct government appropriation or financing] TO ASK 
CONGRESS TO ALOCATE BUDGET FOR FUNDING THE CENTER AND 
ITS AMlNlSTRATlVE STAFF; [(c)] To enlist the aid or cooperation of such 
government or private entities as may be necessary; and [(d)] (C) To adopt 
and implement [such measures,] rules and regulations [as] THAT are 
necessary for the carrying out of the objectives of the Council. 
SEC. 32. Composition. - The Council for the Advancement of Dental 
Research shall be composed of: (A) the [Chairman] SECREATARY of the 
[National] DEPARTMENT OF Science [Department Board] AND THE 
TECHNOLOGY (DOST), as chairman; (B) a representative of the 
Philippine Dental Association [or any other bona fide national dental 
association, a representative of r the National Science Development 
Board,]; (C) a representative of the Board of [Dental Examiners] 


DENTISTRY [, and a representative of the Council on Dental Education,]: 
(D) A REPRESENTAIVE OF THE PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF 
DENTAL COLLEGES; (E) THE DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF 
DENTISTRY, UNIVERSTIY OF THE PHILIPPINES, as members. [The 
Chairman and members of the Council shall be appointed by the President 
of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments for 
a term of five years, unless sooner terminated by the expiration of their 
tenure of office in their respective positions.] 
SEC. 33. Secretary of the Council. - The Council for the Advancement of 
Dental Research may be designated any of its members to serve as 
secretary of the Council, and as such he shall keep a complete record of 
the proceedings, communications and deliberations of the Council. 
SEC. 34. Compensation, - The chairman, members and secretary of the 
Council for the Advancement of Dental Research shall [not] be entitled to 
[any compensation] AN HONORARIUM AS DETERMINED BY THE 
CHAIRMEN OF THE COUNDIL [except those authorized by their 
respective offices and such other expenses as are necessary in the 
performance of their official duties as herein provided]. 
THE SUM 
NECESSARY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS SECTION SHALL 
BE TAKEN FROM THE APPROPRIATIONS OF THE DOST. 
SEC. 35. Sessions - The Council shall not hold its regular session once 
every two months at such time and place to be designated by the [c] 
Chairman of the Council. Special sessions may be called by the chairman 
whenever necessary. 
ARTICLE VII. Penal and Miscellaneous Provisions 
SEC. 36. Penal Provisions. - (A) Any person who shall practice dentistry 
in the Philippines as defined in this Act, without a certificate of registration 
issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act OR WITH A REVOKED 
OR EXPIRED LICENSE, or has been declared exempt[,]; or (B) ANY OF 
THOSE TO WHON=M THE DEFINITION OF THE PRACTICE OF 
DENTISTRY DOES NOT APPLY, SUCH AS, ASTISANS OR DENTAL 
TECHNICIANS ENGAGED IN THE MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION OF 
ARTIFICIAL DENTURES OR FIXTURES AND OTHER ORAL DEVICES, 


OR 
STUDENTS 
OF 
DENTISTRY 
ENUDERGOING 
PRACTICAL 
TRAINING, IF THEY LIKEWISE VIOLATE THE SAVING CLAUSE OF THE 
LAW, AND PERFORM ANY OF THE ACTS CONSTITUTING THE 
PRACTICE OF DENTISTRY AS DEFINED IN THIS LAW OUTSIDE OF 
THE 
CONFINES OF 
THE 
DENTAL SCHOOL, 
COLLEGE OR 
UNIVERSITY IN WHICH THEY ARE UNDERGOING SUCH PRACTICAL 
TRAINING UNDER THE DIRECTION OR SUPERVISION OF A MEMBER 
OF THE FACULTY WHOS IS DULY LICENSED TO PRACTICE 
DENTITRY IN THE PHILIPPINES, OR 
UNDERBOARD DENTAL 
GRADUATES AS SPECIFIED BY SECTION 14 OF THIS ACT IF THEY 
DO NOT WORK UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A DULY 
LICENSED DENTIST AS PROVIDED HEREIN; (c) any person presenting 
or using as his own the certificate of registration of another[,]; or (D) any 
person who shall give any false or forged evidence to the Board in 
obtaining a certificate of registration[,]; or (E) any person who shall 
impersonate any registrant of like or different name[,]; or (F) [any person 
who shall use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration, or] any 
person who shall assume, use or advertise as a bachelor of dental surgery, 
doctor of dental surgery, master of dental surgery, licentiate of dental 
surgery, doctor of dental medicine, or dental surgeon, or append to his 
name the letters D.D.S., B.D.S., [M.D.S., L.D.S., or D.M.D., without having 
been conferred such title or degree in a legally constituted school, college 
or university, duly recognized and authorized to confer the same, or 
OTHER DEGREES; OR (9) ANY PERSON WHO SHALL advertise any title 
or description tending to convey the impression that he is a dentist, without 
holding a valid certificate of registration from the Board[,]; or (H) any person 
who shall violate any provision of this Act, OR ANY RULE OR 
REGULATION WITHIN THE AUTHORITY OF THE PROFESSIONAL 
REGULATION COMMISSION, shall be guilty of [misdemeanor] FELONY 
and [shall,] upon conviction, be sentenced to a fine of not less that [three] 
FIFTY thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO) no more than [five] TWO HUNDRED 
thousand pesos (P200,OOO.OO) or to suffer imprisonment for a period of not 
less than [one] TEN years AND ONE DAY nor more than [five] TWENTY 
(20) years, or both[, in the discretion of the court]. 
SEC. 37. Display of name and certificate of regisfrafion. - E very registered 
practicing dentists shall display in a conspicuous place in the [house] 
BUILDING or office where he practices his name and surname and he shall 


further display his certificate of registration in his office in plain sight of 
patients [occupying] WHO ENTER [his] THE dental [chair] OFFICE, OR 
DENTAL CLINNIC. IN THE CASE WHERE THE DENTIST HAS MORE 
THAN ONE CLINIC, HE SHALL DISPLAY HIS ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE 
OF REGISTRATION IN HIS MAIN OFFICE OR CLINIC, AND SHALL 
DISPAY A COPY OF HIS CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRAION IN THE 
OTHER BRANCH OR BRANCHES OF HIS PRACTICE. Any owner or 
proprietor of a dental office or establishment is also under obligation to 
display, in conspicuous places in the office or establishment, [and to 
display] the certificates of registration of each and everyone of such 
persons in the same manner as herein before provided. 
SEC. 38. Foreign Reciprocify. - Except in the case of persons otherwise 
exempt under the provisions of this Act, no dentist who is a citizen of a 
foreign country or a particular state shall be guaranteed any of the rights or 
privileges under this Act, unless the country or state of which he is a 
subject or a citizen permits dentists who are Filipino citizens to practice 
within its territorial limits in the same basis as the subjects or citizens or 
such country or state, but under no circumstance shall such a set-up be 
initiated by the Philippine government; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT 
SUCH 
FOREIGN 
DENISTS 
SHALL 
BE 
LICENSED 
BY 
THE 
PROFESSIONAL REGULATION COMMISSION. 
Sec. 39. INTEGRATION OF THE REGULATORY CODE OF DENTAL 
PRACT/C€. - THE REGULATORY CODE OF DENTAL PRACTICE IN 
THE PHILIPPINES, (BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 60, SERIES OF 1983, 
OF THE BOARD OF DENTISTRY) ADOPTED ON THE 2gTH DAY OF 
AUGUST , 1983, AND APPROVED ON THE 7TH DAY OF MARCH, 1984 
IS HEREBY MADE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THIS LAW. 
Sec. [39] 40. Enforcement of the Act by officers of the law. - It shall be the 
duty of all [duly] constituted officers of the national, provincial, city [or], 
municipal OR BARANGAY LEVEL OF THE governments[s], to enforce the 
provisions of the Act AS WELL AS THE RULES AND REGULATIONS 
PERTINENT THERETO, and to prosecute any persons violating the same. 
The Secretary of Justice shall act as the legal adviser of the Board of 
[Dental Examiners] DENTISTRY, the Council on Dental Education, and the 
Council for the Advancement of Dental Research and shall render such 


legal assistance as may be necessary in carrying out the provisions of this 
. 
Act. 
SEC. 41. Repeal of Laws in confljcf with fhis Act. - All laws, or portions 
thereof, orders, ordinances or rules and regulations in conflict with the 
provisions of this Act, as pertain to the practice of dentistry shall be, and 
are hereby repealed. 
SEC. 42. €ffecfMy. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
SECTION 4. Separability Clause. If for any person section or provision 
of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions 
thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 5. 
Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules or 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its complete publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved.