Text by Martin Racza
Photos from S. Quiros, D. Lived, B. Nogoy, N. Solite, E. Tingting, and K. Rosales
Left photo: Lived, Nogoy, and Quiros. Right photo: Solite, Rosales, and Tingting.
Like deftly cementing and placing crowns on teeth, six (6) distinguished students of the University of the Philippines College of Dentistry (UPCD) cap their exemplary efforts by winning the top spots in the poster categories of the research competitions they forayed into.
Shaine Marley S. Quiros, Divina Gracia U. Lived, and Ma. Benczar M. Nogoy received the top award from the Philippine Dental Association during the contest held on May 13 to 17, 2024 for their research poster titled “Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice on Preventive Oral Health Care of Primary Caregivers of School-Children of a Public Elementary School in Aurora, Isabela,”; Nicolle D. Solite, Kathleen Joy Lorraine D. Rosales, and Eibai Dianne A. Tingting garnered first place in their tourney facilitated by the Faculty of Dentistry of Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand for their research graphic “Comparative In-Vitro Study on the Efficacy of Tamarindus Indica Leaves Aqueous Extract vs 37% Phosphoric Acid in Removing the Dentin Smear Layer.”
A Research Borne out of Necessity During the Pandemic
In an interview, Quiros, Lived, and Nogoy explained their choice of topic for their research. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing oral health problems posed a significant challenge due to the high risk of viral transmission associated with dental treatments. While Teledentistry emerged as a solution to manage dental health issues, its scope was limited to palliative care until community restrictions were eased. This situation highlighted the importance of preventive oral health care over corrective treatment. It became evident that instilling preventive measures in caregivers for their children at an early stage could significantly reduce the incidence of dental health problems, alleviating concerns about treatment and associated costs. Motivated by these observations, we focused on obtaining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary caregivers of schoolchildren in a rural community to gather needed baseline data for future preventive oral health care programs.”
Narrating their exhilaration in winning the top prize, the trio worded their emotions, stating, “Being awarded 1st place is truly humbling, and we are deeply grateful for this recognition for it is an empowering moment to realize that through our simple efforts, we could contribute to the oral health care awareness in the country. Completing this study was already a significant achievement for us, especially as we faced the challenges of the pandemic and fulfilled our clinical requirements while conducting this research. We are sincerely thankful for the opportunity to share our study outside the university. Presenting our work at the Philippine Dental Association’s 115th Annual Convention to esteemed Filipino and foreign dental health practitioners was a true honor.”
Bringing Glory to UP from Overseas
For their part, Solite, Rosales, and Tingting stated that their choice of topic “stemmed from our interest in pursuing an experimental study relevant to us as dental clinicians. In the clinics, we constantly use different materials in dental procedures so pursuing a research topic in that field was a great, stimulating learning experience.”
The three students felt immense pride in representing not just their college and UP but above all, the Philippines: “As Filipinos, we felt proud to have shown in our study that truly there are so many resources to be tapped into and explored. Because Dentistry is a diverse field that combines science, art, and engineering–there is always room for innovation and we felt that it was in this pursuit of innovation that ultimately benefits our countrymen that there was recognition of our study.”
Gratitude and Encouragement
Solite, Rosales, and Tingting expressed their immense thanks for UPCD in preparing them for their competition. “The UP College of Dentistry provided the means on which the feasibility of the study was hinged on because we were able to use facilities in the college–like the Scanning Electron Microscope in particular. We received help from staff and personnel from our college and because of this we were able to get through the nitty gritty part of the research which included handling the specimens and equipment. We also couldn’t have made the research study into what it was without the consistent guidance of our advisers Dr. Angelina Atienza and Dr. Erna Arollado because it was through their expertise of making research like these that made the writing and the realization of the study possible.”
Stating mutual feelings, Quiros, Lived, and Nogoy said that “the College of Dentistry has equipped us with the foundational knowledge and guidance necessary to conduct research studies that deliver significant results for the community, all while upholding the values of honor and excellence. Under the mentorship of Dr. Rose Ann Q. Rosanes, our research adviser, we navigated from selecting our topic to presenting our study findings to our panelists, gaining invaluable growth opportunities both individually and as a team. Her expertise in research was instrumental in guiding us through every step of the process. With these principles instilled in us, we felt well-prepared to confidently engage in competitions outside the university such as this one.”
The six students also have a message for their fellow Dentistry students. “With honor bestowed upon us as UPCD students, let us always strive for excellence, not only for our personal growth but also for the benefit of our fellowmen. Despite the challenges in pursuing dentistry, it is important to maintain a positive perspective. The impact of bringing smiles to others through our service is priceless. As dental students, we have different avenues like research to contribute to our community. Let us be inspired in serving others through the best way that we can,” said Quiros, Lived, and Nogoy.
“Thrive on the excitement and curiosity that comes with pursuing a research study. It is through this positive outlook that fun is brought into the process which ultimately leads into a fulfilling learning experience,” Solite, Rosales, and Tingting seconded.
Top: The research poster of Quiros, Lived, and Nogoy.
Bottom: The research poster of Solite, Rosales, and Tingting.
