Section 4. Definition and Scope of Practice. —
Dentist — refers to a person who is a holder of a valid certificate of registration and professional identification card in Dentistry who renders dental service within the meaning and intent of this Law and who, for a fee, salary, compensation or reward, paid to him/her or through another, or even without such compensation or reward, performs any operation or part of an operation, upon the human oral cavity, jaws, teeth and surrounding tissues; prescribes drugs or medicines for the treatment of oral diseases or lesions, or prevents and/ or corrects malpositions of the teeth or implantation of artificial substitutes for lost teeth; and teaches subjects in the licensure examination: or engages in dental research: Provided, however, That this provision shall not apply to dental technologists engaged in the mechanical construction of artificial dentures or fixtures or other oral devices, as long as none of such procedures is done inside the mouth of the patient; nor shall this provision apply to students of dentistry undergoing practical training in a legally constituted dental school or college under the direction or supervision of a member of the faculty who is duly licensed to practice dentistry in the Philippines; or to registered dental hygienists who may be allowed to perform preventive oral hygiene procedures and other procedures or to dentistry graduates working as dental assistants to licensed and registered dentist authorized to practice dentistry in the Philippines who are engaged in private practice: Provided, further, That these dentistry graduates work under their direct supervision.
Dental Hygienist — refers to a person who is a holder of a valid certificate of registration and professional identification card and has undergone a two year course in dental hygiene from a government recognized school under a college of dentistry and passing the prescribed board examination for dental hygienist, renders oral health promotion and preventive measures, performs scaling and polishing, oral examination, taking brief clinical history, taking radiograph, and giving oral health education to patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
Dental Technologist — refers to a person who is a holder of a valid certificate of registration and professional identification card and who renders technical services such as mechanical construction of artificial denture and other oral devices under the supervision of a licensed dentist, and has finished a two year certificate course in dental technology from any government recognized school.