As the Philippines continues to gain global attention in the field of medical tourism, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has recently released its updated rules and regulations that seek to strengthen the accreditation of dental clinics.
At the onset of her leadership, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reaffirmed the DOT’s support for president Ferdinand R Marcos, Jr’s administration’s goal to boost the medical tourism industry in the country by leveraging a strong collaborative approach with stakeholders in aesthetics, aging, and wellness, institutionalising regulation of this niche market as a “strong growth centre” for the country.
DOT Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2024-0001 by Secretary Frasco, identifies dental tourism as a “high-value tourism product worthy of investment and promotion” under the DOT’s Health and Wellness Program, and with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, the country’s tourism roadmap, recognising Health and Wellness as one of its niche market portfolios that highlights the long history of the Philippines as a centre of medical expertise with its strong foundation in Western medicine, as well as its traditional Filipino healing practices.
The 12-page memorandum spells out updated accreditation rules, application process, documentary requirements for the voluntary accreditation, schedule of fees and charges, as well as supervision of accredited clinics, denial, cancellation, and suspension or revocation of accreditation.
Based on the rules and regulations, dental clinics applying for accreditation for Dental Tourism must meet the following minimum requirements set for secondary tourism enterprises:
• The clinic must be clean and at a safe and secure location with natural ventilation for the comfort of patients and staff. It should also bear visible name signage, with a clean and functional restroom conveniently accessible. A clinic concierge shall also provide in-house medical services of at least four of the following dental procedures including cosmetic dentistry, dental implantology, orthodontics, endodontics, and prosthodontics.
• The reception area must be manned by clinic personnel, with sufficient lighting, seating facilities, internet access, IEC, and other entertainment materials and equipment.
• Tourist information or electronic access to the Philippines Travel App must also be made available at the reception area, as well as drinking water, coffee, or tea amenities.
• Dental facilities like treatment area, instruments, and equipment as well as emergency care and personnel must be present, showing valid credentials within the premises, accepts different modes of payment, have an official email and website or social media containing clinic profile, operation hours, services offered, dental tour packages, online appointment system, online consultation, and online review and customer feedback.
Prior to issuance of the Certificate of Accreditation, DOT accreditation officers shall evaluate the application and conduct an ocular inspection of the facilities, services, and amenities of the dental clinic applying for accreditation to determine conformity with the minimum standards set by the Department.
This list of guidelines principally aims to reinforce the DOT’s regulatory power to a “national standard for licensing, accreditation and classification of tourism enterprises, prescribing therein minimum levels of operating quality and efficiency for their operation in accordance with recognized international standards, impose reasonable penalties for violation of accreditation policies.”
Also defined in the DOT MC No. 2024-0001 are Dental Tour Packages, which shall offer various dental procedures and other services such as, but not limited to hotel lodging, transportation, sightseeing, and other leisure activities.
This personalised dental tourism package, which gives so much attention to overall patient care, has placed the Philippines as an attractive go-to destination for various medical procedures, offering highly skilled medical professionals, state-of-the-art facilities, and affordable healthcare services.
Meanwhile, application for DOT accreditation of dental clinics for Dental Tourism shall be voluntary, and may be coursed through the DOT Online Accreditation system along with the submission of the following documentary requirements:
• Valid business/ Mayor’s permit
• List of dentist/s with PRC registration number validity
• Proof of ownership of autoclave and dental x-ray
• Copy of Preventive Maintenance Report from the Supplier of the maintenance of the autoclave and dental x-ray
• Certificate of membership with PDA
• Copy of DOH license for clinics with laboratories
• Customer Service Training Certificate for reception personnel upon renewal of accreditation
Related: Senator Bong Go advocates for advancement of dental profession at Manila Dental Chapter 4th Scientific Seminar in Manila City
