ILOILO City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved an ordinance regulating the sale of dental materials and supplies within the city.
During Wednesday’s regular session, the SP cited common illegal practices such as installation of braces by unlicensed persons not only in the city but throughout the Philippines.
This is because dental materials and supplies are readily available to the public without any prescription or authorization.
The Philippine Dental Association (PDA)-Iloilo Chapter sought the help of the city council.
They have encountered many patients with compromised oral health for patronizing those engaged in illegal dental practice.
“Damo sila pasyente nga nagakadto sa ila nga may diperensya ngipon, kis-a na-infection na. It turned out mangkuton kon diin nga dentist ginkadtuan, wala sila sang ihambal. So ang mga naga-illegal practice amo na ang ginakadtuan. Makadto na lang sila sa mga dentista naton kon may problema na sila,” Councilor Johnny Young said.
Meanwhile, according to PDA-Iloilo president Ma. Solidad J. Grecia, regulating the sale of dental materials through the new measure will help stop illegal or unlicensed dental practice especially the DIY (do-it-yourself) braces and those done by unauthorized practitioners.
“Damo ga-practice illegal, they are unauthorized. Sa balay lang nila sila ga obra , iban graduate man sa dentistry but they are not licensed,” Grecia added
She emphasized that it is important to seek the help of licensed dentists for the patient’s protection and safety.
“May ara gakadto sa amon gakatangtang na ila ngipon. Abi nila nami na ngipon nila, ang ending galabuton na. So wala na ta other option kundi gabuton na lang,” she noted.
She added: “We need to be properly aware kon sin-o ang aton kadtuan nga insakto para indi kita mabutangsa alang-alang.”
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.”
Meanwhile, violators of the ordinance will face the following penalties:
* first offence – a fine of P2,500 and a notice of closure of business establishment from the City Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) and/or the City Health Office; and
* second offence – a fine of P5,000 and closure of business establishment.
The ordinance will take effect 30 days after its publication in a local newspaper of general circulation./PN
