ILOILO City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved on first reading an ordinance prohibiting illegal practices of dentistry including the unauthorized sale of dental materials and supplies.
According to Councilor Johnny Young, the proponent, the Philippine Dental Association (PDA-Iloilo) sought help against illegal practices of dentistry in the city.
One of the concerns raised by PDA-Iloilo president, Dr. Ma. Amy P. Gallos, were patients – mostly teenagers – with severe periodontal conditions such as swollen gums and oral infection as a result of braces installed by unauthorized persons.
The proposed measure, which was crafted with the help of PDA-Iloilo, is hoped to eradicate illegal dentistry, said Young.
Dental materials and supplies are readily available to the public without any prescription or authorization letter from a licensed dental professional, he lamented.
In pushing for the proposed ordinance, the city councilor cited Section IV of Republic Act 9484 or An Act to Regulate the Practice of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, and Dental Technology in the Philippines. It stated: “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 the proposed ordinance, it shall be 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, the sale of dental materials will be limited to dentists, dental technologists, dental hygienists, dental students or persons with an authorization letter or prescription with licensed / Professional Regulation Commission number duly signed by a dental professional.
Moreover, it shall also be 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.
For violators, the penalties and sanctions include:
* first offense – warning to establishment and a fine of P5,000
* second offense — warning to establishment and a fine of P10,000
* third and succeeding offence — closure of establishment, a fine of P20,000, and 3 months imprisonment
The city council, after passing on first reading, referred the proposed ordinance to the committee on health for study, report and recommendations./PN