BACOLOD CITY - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Bacolod has ordered the closure of a dental clinic for operating illegally in Barangay Tagda, Hinigaran, Negros Occidental on Monday, April 15.
Atty. Renoir Baldovino, NBI-Bacolod head, said they acted on a report from the Philippine Dental Association (PDA)-Negros Occidental Chapter, Inc., against Happy Smile Dental Clinic.
PDA national initially received the information, but it forwarded the report to the provincial chapter covering the said area. The PDA provincial chapter then gathered evidence, and coordinated with proper authorities for the surveillance.
The NBI found out that the clinic was operating without a valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) License and Certificate of Registration (COR).
A woman was arrested during the entrapment operation for practicing illegal dentistry. Some dental materials and equipment used in the illegal practice were also seized.
Baldovino reminded the public to avail of dental services from licensed dentists only.
Those who may be caught violating the law on dentistry may face imprisonment of two years up to five years, and pay a fine of P200,000 to P500,000, according to Baldovino.
Dr. Maribel Ong, president of the PDA-Negros Occidental Chapter, said that patients can verify if the dentist they go to is a licensed dental practitioner through the PRC website.
Ong urged those who continue to violate Republic Act 9484 or “The Philippine Dental Act of 2007" to stop.