A group of dentists sought the help of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) in addressing the rampant illegal practice of dentistry in Iloilo City.
The Philippine Dental Association (PDA)-Iloilo Chapter collaborated with the Office of City Councilor Johnny Young in crafting a measure against illegal dental procedures.
The measure, which also bans the unauthorized sale of dental materials and supplies within the city, was introduced by Young during their regular session on Jan. 25.
It was approved on first reading and referred to the SP’s Committee on Health for study, report and recommendations.
Young said PDA-Iloilo president Dr. Ma. Amy P. has been alarmed by numerous encounters of patients, mostly teenagers, with severe periodontal conditions (oral infection) due to braces installation by unauthorized personnel.
The local lawmaker noted that dental materials and supplies are made readily available to the public without any prescription or authorization letter from a licensed dental professional.
Section IV of Republic Act 9484 or An act to Regulate the Practice of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, and Dental Technology in the Philippines states that “a person must be a holder of a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification in Dentistry in order to perform dental procedures within the patient’s oral cavity or for that matter, any other acts constituting the practice of dentistry.”
Under Young’s proposed ordinance, it is unlawful for any establishment, public or private, commercial or residential, to hold any illegal dental practice or dental hygiene such as performing dental procedures within the patient’s oral cavity.
Also, it is unlawful for any unlicensed or unregistered dentist, dental hygienist or dental technologist to perform all acts of dental practice or dental hygiene such as performing dental procedures within the patient’s oral cavity.
The measure further stipulates that the sale of all dental materials will be limited to dentists, dental technologist, dental hygienist, dental students or persons with an authorization letter or prescription with licensed/PRC number duly signed by a dental professional.
Violators of the ordinance will face fines ranging from P5,000 to P20,000 and three-month imprisonment.IMT
