PRC
Professional Regulation Commission
Manila
Board of Dentistry
GUIDELINES IN THE PRACTICE MANAGEMENT FOR DENTAL PRACTITIONERS
I. SIGNAGE
A. SIGNAGE OUTSIDE THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OFFICE DOOR MUST
1. conform to the building signage specifications
2. conform with the regulations of the local government code
3. possess a size proportional to the façade of the dental clinic
*proportional – width 1/3, height 1/8 of the façade of the dental clinic only
4. be decent and dignified looking
B. CONTENT MUST INCLUDE ONLY THE FOLLOWING:
1. Name of the Dentist
- shall use only the usual titles and academic degrees such as “Doctor”, “Dentist”, “D.D.S.”, “D.M.D.”, “D.D.M.”,”B.D.S.” or “L.D.S.” in connection with his/her name or signature
- “Certificate”, “M.S.” and “Ph.D.” are allowed as long as it is conferred by a legally constituted school, college or university, duly recognized and authorized to confer such titles only in the field of Dentistry or its allied sciences. (Please be prepared to present Diploma/s upon inspection)
- “Diplomate” is only allowed if the dentist has passed the examination given by the specialty board of the accredited dental specialty group or society in dentistry by the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Dentistry. Other dentists who possess an international Diplomate Title MUST seek approval from the PRC BOD.
2. Title of the Practice – eg. clinic, office, dental center, infirmary, dispensary
2. Clinic Days and Hours which can include- By appointment only
3. Contact Number (optional)
4. E-mail address (optional)
5. Clinic Address
6. Nature of Practice – eg. General Dentistry, Practice Limited to Prosthodontics or other fields.
5. Specialty / Specialist – eg. Endodontist, Orthodontist, Pediatric Dentist, Periodontist, Prosthodontist, Oral Surgeon
can only be used by dentists
- who have trained and completed a full time residency or advanced post graduate training program of a recognized dental college/university in the fields of Endodontics, Orthodontics, Pedodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics and Oral Surgery. (Please be prepared to present Diploma/s upon inspection)
- who have been conferred as specialists by specialty groups or preceptorship programs accredited by the PRC BOD (Please be prepared to present Certificate/s upon inspection)
- dentists who have undergone post graduate training in countries outside the Philippines whose program does not fall within the realm of these provisions may seek clarification from the PRC BOD for possible recognition.
*** Other dentists who have undergone extensive trainings in the six specialties but not from a recognized dental college/university or dental hospital where dentistry course is being offered nor have been conferred as specialists by specialty groups or preceptorship programs accredited by the PRC BOD but instead may place “General Dentist Practicing Orthodontics” or other specialty fields
6. Subspecialty/ Subspecialist – eg. Implant Dentistry, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunctions, Geriatric Dentistry, Forensic Dentistry
- the same rules apply
7. Institution/Company/ Department/ Hospital Logo – eg. Makati Medical Center logo
-for company logo (Please be prepared to present SEC registration and DTI certificates upon inspection)
C. SIGNAGES THAT ARE NOT ALLOWED
Signages with
1. Unprofessional Title of Practice- eg. Dental Spa, Club, Holiday, Resort etc….
2. Unauthorized use of the title of a Specialty/ Subspecialty
3. Unauthorized Design
a. personalized logo for single proprietorship or partnership
b. picture of dentist , caricatures or cliparts
c. terms such as “x-ray”, “gas”, “air-abrasive”, “dental laboratory”, “air conditioned”, “laser” and other technical terms
d. comical or informal fonts
4. neon lights
5. motion signages
6. promos and discounts
7. sponsors or any form of product endorsements
8. other Titles given by organizations not accredited or recognized by PRC BOD – eg. Fellow – with due respect, just place them in your curriculum vitae or seek approval from the PRC BOD
9. Misuse of terms such as specialty or subspecialty centers/ hospitals or Centers of Excellence meant to mislead the public
SAMPLE OF A CORRECT SIGNAGE
Correct Signage
*** can include clinic address, contact no., e-mail address and clinic schedule
II. CALLING CARD AND PRESCRIPTION PAD
- must be of standard size
A. CONTENT MUST INCLUDE ONLY THE FOLLOWING:
1. Name of the Dentist
2. Title of the Practice
3. Clinic Days and Hours
4. Contact Number
5. Email Address
6. Clinic Address
7. Nature of Practice
8. Specialty – if applicable
9. Subspecialty – if applicable
10. Institution/ Company/ Department/ Hospital Logo
*** SAME RULES APPLY – please refer to signages
B. NOT ALLOWED
Calling cards and Prescription pads with
1. Unprofessional Title of Practice
2. Unauthorized use of the title of a Specialty/ Subspecialty
3. Unauthorized Design
a. personalized logo for single proprietorship or partnership
b. picture of dentist , caricatures or cliparts
c. comical or informal fonts
4. sponsors or any form of product endorsements
5. other Titles given by organizations not accredited or recognized by PRC BOD
SAMPLE OF A CORRECT CALLING CARD
Correct Calling Card
III. PRC CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION, SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND PRC IDENTIFICATION CARD
1. PRC Certificate of Registration and School Diploma must be displayed in a conspicuous place of the dental clinic either on the Reception or Operatory Area.
2. Certificates/ Diplomas of Post Graduate Training from a Recognized Dental School/ College/ University and Certificates issued by the Accredited Specialty Groups of the PRC Board of Dentistry maybe displayed together with the PRC Certificate of Registration and School Diploma.
3. A photocopy of the unexpired PRC Identification Card must be retained inside the dental clinic of the main office and all of its branches.
4. Original PRC Certificate of Registration and School Diploma should be displayed in the main office and a Copy of the Certified Original PRC Certificate of Registration and School Diploma in the other branch or branches of dental clinic should be displayed.
5. Other Plaques, Testimonials and Certificates of Appreciation maybe likewise displayed inside the dental clinic but separately from the PRC Certificate of Registration and School Diploma.
6. Display of the PRC Certificate of Registration and School Diploma of the licensed dental associate/s and assistant/s is only optional but encouraged.
IV. DENTAL RECORDS
Must include all of the following:
1. Patient Information
2. Dental History
3. Medical History
4. Dental Record Chart
5. Diagnosis
6. Treatment Done
Patient’s Dental Records including radiographs, casts, dental pictures and laboratory results must be kept for at least ten (10) years.
SAMPLE OF THE DENTAL CHART
Dental Chart
V. COMMERCIAL POSTERS/ TARPAULINS AND BROCHURES
A. ALLOWED
1. Display of Commercial Posters and Tarpaulins (dental or non dental), inside the dental clinic.
2. Materials for patient education given inside the dental clinic.
3. Selling/ Display of dental products inside the dental clinic but must not be seen from the outside.
4. Display of Dental Pictures inside the dental clinic. Eg. Before and After Treatments
B. NOT ALLOWED
1. Display of Commercial Posters and Tarpaulins (dental or non dental) outside the dental clinic or placed inside but can be seen from the outside.
2. Brochures or Flyers given outside the dental clinic.
3. Display of Services offered outside the dental clinic or placed inside but can be seen from the outside.
4. Display of Dental Pictures even without advertisements outside the dental clinic or placed inside but can be seen from the outside.
5. Display of Discounts / Promotional Services offered outside the dental clinic or placed inside but can be seen from the outside.
PLEASE BE INFORMED THAT THESE GUIDELINES IN THE PRACTICE MANAGEMENT FOR DENTAL PRACTITIONERS NEED TO BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2012.
Written by
Jesus Lecitona, DMD
Websites: Dentist – http://www.dentist.fm/
Braces – http://www.braces.im/
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Doc,Good day!!!!Thank you very much for the information. I would just like to know as to who is in-charge in the conduct of inspection to the clinic for the aboved stated requirements , what will be the sanctions for violators and who is going to implement it……
Doc, PRC Board of Dentistry mismo with the help of local chapter.
I saw an advertisement of a dental clinic in SM north edsa annex, it stretches from the ascending ramp to the 2nd floor parking, is this within the guidelines set? I guess this would not go unnoticed by the persons in charge of implementing it!!!
doc, question sa signages with logos and caricatures, it says you don’t allow if unauthorized. when do you allow one?/how? where do i get authorization for my clinic sign?
Doc, yun yung mga bagay na unauthorized.
Mga hindi dapat ilagay:
a. personalized logo for single proprietorship or partnership
b. picture of dentist , caricatures or cliparts
c. terms such as “x-ray”, “gas”, “air-abrasive”, “dental laboratory”, “air conditioned”, “laser” and other technical terms
d. comical or informal fonts
Nice read, Dentist. Are the PRC BOD aware of these guidelines? I think they should be the ones to start this campaign, specifically “commercialism” in dentistry.
The big players who set up practices in the malls, who have the capacity to pay newspapers and magazines to publish them saying that their practice is the best and have the latest equipment, etc. eat us small dentists which are just starting in practice! Those who place illuminated lights on the facade of posh malls and areas – even in airports!
Kawawa naman kaming maliliit. Sabagay, money buys you connections and influence
Galing sa Board of Dentistry yan doc. Ipinadala sa PDA.
This is well and good that this has finally been quantified with regards to signages, etc. However, before the PRC or any legally authorized entity goes around inspecting dental clinics, do not be remiss that those located in malls are actually the ones who have violations with regards to the provisions indicated herein. The thing is – stand-alone clinics and mall-based ones should be equally cited. Thanks.
Agree.
Where can we avail of the dental chart shown above?
Local chapter kung saan ka nagcliclinic Dok.
Dear Dr. Lecitona,
Where can I find the definition or description for the following terms used under Section V. B. NOT ALLOWED?:
1. Commercial Posters and Tarpaulins (dental or non dental)
2. Brochures or Flyers.
3. Display of Services.
4. Display of Dental Pictures even without advertisements outside the dental clinic or placed inside but can be seen from the outside.
I have an assortment of questions, for example, with #1: commercial posters- do these include community bazaars and high school reunion commercial posters promoting tickets to these?
What is wrong with displaying pictures? Many of our fellow Filipinos are already unable to seek consultation and too embarrassed to enter a clinic, why can’t we educate them by posting pictures that can be seen outside the clinic? Pictures are a means of educating the general public.
Kindly clarify.
Thank you! Mabuhay ang PDA!
Sincerely,
Agnes
Doc, hindi ako taga Board of Dentistry ha. Sariling pagkakaintindi ko ito bilang simpleng dentista. Yung description nila ng brochures, posters, etc ay pareho ng pagkakaintindi ng karamihan sa mga dentist sa Pilipinas. Siyempre may mangilan ngilan ding dentist na iba ang pagkakaintindi sa isang bagay. Tama din na ibigay nila yung description/definition para may standard tayo.
Sa second question mo. Hindi siguro yan kasama.
Hindi ko masagot yung 3rd. Halo ang paniniwala ko tungkol diyan.
is it ok if i don’t put my name on the signage since nowadays mainit sa mga hold-up yung mga lady dentists. just put Dental Clinic instead?
Oo doc. Pwede yan.
doc,if this guidelines should be strictly implemented I guess you should concentrate first on checking the dental clinics on malls,kasi its mandatory to these dental clinics to give discounts and promos,kasi pag may sale,compulsory lahat ng mall tenants.sila ang mas unang lumalabag sa guidelines.
one more thing how about yun mga malalaking dental clinics who have celebrity endorsers di ba dapat kasama sa guidelines yan.
You must try to understand doc that dentist usually do such things like putting posters outside or putting caricatures sa mga signages to make us dentist look friendly..remember kahit old people are afraid of the dentist.and yes this posters will also help educate the public and remind them na rin that they need to have their teeth examined.
although I must agree that some of us crossed the line na by making their clinic look like a beauty salon with all of the services dispaled outside.
Hope you can reconsider my opinion.thanks and God bless us all!
Hi doc. Sa PRC yan doc, hindi ako. Ako lang ang nagpost dito para mabasa niyo. =)
I would like to inquire what are the scope and limitations of a dentist in doing oral examination? as to how far can he/she give an opinion.
If this is going to be the rule, then, it should be implemented to all without exception to make it fair to all dental practitioners. Although, I appreciate that there should be guidelines but PRC should also take into consideration that we are already in the 21st century and practicing dentistry is not only for the purposes of providing services but business as well.
I agree.
the ruling on signages are archaic, if not strict. i doubt the PRC can police the BIG players especially the GAOC group since he’s part of the board of dentistry. instead of restrictions, i think we should deregulate the ruling on signages…etc. every dentist should have equal rights on marketing just like the big ones.
let’s not be hypocrites, dentistry is and will always be a business.
they should focus more on implementing the standard of practice (things inside the clinic, sterilization methods, etc) for the benefit of our patients. and more crack downs on illegal practice/unlicensed practitioners who are the ones killing the real dentist’s businesses and also dragging down our reputation in general…
may nag iinspect po samin ng mayor’s permit, ang alam ko po excempted po tayo mga dentist, pano po ba sasabihin sa kanila. napipilitan po tuloy kme kumuha. 5yrs na po ako nagaaply ng mayors permit
Email ka sa secretariat[at]pda.ph, request ka ng certificate ng exemption.
why do even have to request for a certificate of exemption? i think you should help us inform all city halls that we are exempted. i had to get a permit this year. because they have something to show me that it is obligatory. so who should we follow then?
I agree doc. Gagawin ko yan kung officer ako. Kaya vote for me next election. (joke lang ha). You have to request from PDA. Kasi binigay yan dati sa chapter seminar at malamang na hindi ka nakaattend kaya wala kang copy.
Ang nakikita ko tungkol diyan ay iba iba ang pagkakaintindi ng tao sa batas. At bawat syudad at munisipal may iba ibang batas. Kaya kung may certificate ka at ipapakita yun sa kanila, baka matulungan ka.
May letter na po ako from de jesus n assoc law office dated feb 2010. Counsel ng pda un. Pero hindi po tinanggap dito sa marikina. So talagang yearly i have to pay business permit / mayors permit… Balewala din po ung letter from d pda counsel. Depende na po ata sa municipality. Pro sana mapag usapan lahat ng chapters, pda at municipalities about mayors permit po. Para fair po sa ating lahat
professional tax lang binabayaran natin 250 pesos only.
how can you deal naman sa mga ibang dentist that are pricing their services too low.i dont have to mention a specific chapter but i know everyone will agree that some dentist, just to have income will go with the quantity and not with the quality.that the patient kept on bargaining with us as if they are in divisoria.
You have to talk to your local chapter. Ireklamo mo sa president. Yung president ng dental chapter ang gagawa ng kilos para maresolba ang problema sa rate sa dental service sa isang lokal.
napakaganda po ng layunin ng mga guidelines na ito. ngunit alam naman po natin ang tunay na mga sitwasyon ng ating propesyon. kung sino pa ang inaasahan natin magbibigay ng ayuda sa proteksyon ng mga nakararaming dentista, e lumilitaw na ang mga inaasahan nating mag abot ng tulong upang mapaunlad ang aming kabuhayan e sila pa ang mismong lantarang sumasalungat sa prisipyo nga kanilang mga ginawang alituntunin. at sa halip na maging patas ang pagkakataong makapag “promote” ng aming mga kakayahan at propesyon, nililimita nila kasabay ng kanilang walang patumanggang pagyurak sa sariling mga “guidelines” nagtatago sila sa “corporate set-up” na alam naman natin na ang mga mayayaman lamang ang may kayang gumawa nito.
isa lamang obsertbasyon ito mga kaibigan,,, na ang pakay ay buksan ang inyong mga isip upang wag naman mawalan ng respeto ang inyong mga myembro….lagi sana ninyong tatandaan na ang inyong mga posisyon sa ating papisanan ay upang makagawa ng makabuluhan na mga proyekto at mga alituntunin sa kabutihan ng nakararami.
sa ating lipununan may iasng biro na sinisabi…. ang isang taong MAYAMAN, kesehodang saan man nanggaling ang yaman…sa masama man ang mabuti, ito ay nirerespeto ng tao. sana naman bilang propesyonal, huwag tayong matakot o magpadikta si impluwensya kung sino man ang tamaan, kung sa ikabubuti naman ng iyong mga myembro, ito’y mag bibigay ng tunay na respeto sa inyo. mabuhay ang PDA at sana ay huwag niyong hayaang tuluyang mabulok ang sistema ating kapisanan at ng PRC.
pahabol lang po…. may mga untouchable daw na mga tao??
siguro naman meron ding dentistang mga may koneksyon sa mga maimpluwensyang tao na maisusulong ang kapakanan ng nakararami.
kung talagang hindi nyo kaya ito…. marahil kaawa awa ang magiging tingin ng mga myembro ninyo at maging isang nNAPKALAKING PAGKAKAMLI na hind ninyo ituwid ito…. maraming salamat sa pag post ninyo ng guidelines ng prc na siguradong marami mang nakataas ang mga kilay ngayon…. biro lang po, hehehe
I agree doc.
Doc, How about the x-rays and cast, as part of the patients record. Is this mean every patient we have to have them take an x-ray and cast for record keeping?
No. Kung kailangan lang sa isang procedure. Huwag kang magpakalugi na i-xray mo bawat px at gagawan ng cast ang bawat pasyente. Kung kailangan lang.
I think there is nothing wrong with posters and tarpaulins. Patients appreciate them because they educate them, and become aware of their oral health. Doctors of medicine just do the same, right? I, as a patient appreciate it and becomes conscious of my health. That’s what we promote, the health community…Encourage everyone for a good and healthy life!
Yes. Tama ka. Pero base sa guideline, dapat hindi makita mula sa labas.
Doc, hindi ako tagaPRC ha? Ako lang ang nagpost para mabasa ninyo.
Doc, kanino po ulit maeemail for the certicate of exemption?
secretariat[at]pda.ph
doc, can not send to this email ad — secretariat[at]pda.ph– for the mayor’s permit exemption certificate. thanks
I can. Send mo ulit. Or tawagan mo sa number nila. Or PM Turing de leon sa FB.
I just want to clarify this “business Permit”,last January I went to renew my business permit.it so happen that the person next to me is a fellow dentist and she question me why I’m securing a business permit.She told me no need because we are not doing business we are just on service so just secure PTR no.On my knowledge once we put up a clinic we are engage on business.but with out a clinic but we accept school or company dental service. We only secure a PRT NO. Which is which with or without business permit.
Good day to everyone! This is very impressing but i think BOD should focus on other issues first like the ff:
1) regulation of price for services rendered(mag set ng minimum charge)
Why?- a lot of clinics charge way below just to have patients, ex. Is extraction for 80php. How the hell will this cover for sterilization, sanitation, disinfection, medicaments and most importantly professional fee?
2) pin down dental technicians who practice dental profession by providing prosthodontic services.
3) prohibit online promotions published by dentist saying 80% off on whitening by selling voucher on ensogo terms, barkada of 3 pay only 25000php for orthodontic txt, etc…….
– colleagues, we are not some cheap salon to publish promotios like that!!! Where is dignity to your profession?
4) start the implementation of the posted guidlines from the big players, who are the no. 1 violators
– para naman maniwala kaming mga maliliit na practitioner na seryoso ito!
doc
gud am everyone.regarding po s cert of exemption d2 po s dasma cavite every dentl clinic needs ng mayors permit at need prin ng ptr.every local chapter po ba meron cert of exemption?thnks…
Hi doc magrequest ka ng certification sa secretariat[at]pda.ph . Pero nakadepende pa rin sa town or city kung maeexempt ka o hindi..
Why just now they really want to implement these guidelines? They sholud have been strict even before. There are lots of dentists who are not following these guidelines. But i hope they are serious in implementing and penalizing those who will disobey.