Republic of the Philippines
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

*** 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

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.

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.