(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
QUACK dentists are putting the health of Ilongos in dire straits, the youth especially.
Teenagers are inclined to have dental braces to align and straighten their teeth, in what more often than not may be unnecessary. It seems a status symbol since dental braces are expensive.
And there lies a problem. Because dental braces are expensive, the money attracts quack or fake dentists to install the device.
Dental braces remedy incorrectly positioned teeth called malocclusion. Only university-trained dental specialists called orthodontists are qualified in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists straighten crooked teeth, fix irregular bites, and align the jaws correctly.
Dr. Ma. Amy P. Gallos, President of the Philippine Dental Association-Iloilo (PDA-Iloilo), has raised the alarm that many patients – mostly teenagers – have severe periodontal issues such as swollen gums and oral infection as a result of braces installed by unauthorized persons.
In response, Iloilo City’s Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has approved on first reading an ordinance prohibiting the illegal practice of dentistry, including the unauthorized sale of dental materials and supplies, reports Glenda Tayona of our very own Panay News.
She quotes Councilor Johnny Young, the ordinance proponent, saying that PDA-Iloilo has sought help against the illegal practice of dentistry in the city.
The proposed measure, which was crafted with the help of PDA-Iloilo, is aimed at eradicating illegal dentistry, said Mr. Young.
Dental materials and supplies are readily available to the public without any prescription or authorization letter from a licensed dental professional, said Mr. Young.
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. The law states: “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, Ms. Tayona reports.
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, Ms. Tayona continues, 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.
***
Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
***
Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
