UP College of Dentistry Marks 111 Years, Reaffirms Service-Centered Education

February 03, 2026

Text by Charmaine Lingdas
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit

UP College of Dentistry officials, faculty, staff, students, and alumni gather for a group photo during the flag-raising ceremony that opened the one-week celebration of the College’s 111th founding anniversary.

“We would like to be known to be a dental school that’s focused on service,” asserted UP College of Dentistry (UPCD) Dean Michelle Segarra on Feb. 2, 2026, during the college’s flag-raising ceremony marking the beginning of the one-week celebration of its 111th founding anniversary.

According to Dean Segarra, UPCD’s clinical training had shifted from a requirements-based model to a patient-centered approach. “We are not only pioneers, but we also strive to be the best. And we can only do that if we constantly look back with gratitude and move forward with a purpose,” she said, echoing the theme of the anniversary celebration

Dean Segarra emphasized that the College has long been at the forefront of dental education in the country. “It consists of three ones: being the first in academics, research, innovation, and service,” she said.

UP was the first dental school in the Philippines to have a department in community dentistry and the first to offer a graduate program in orthodontics accredited by the Philippine Board of Orthodontics, the dean further noted.

She also highlighted recent developments in training and facilities, including the use of haptic dental simulators, the establishment of a green dentistry program, and preparations for integrating digital dentistry into undergraduate and continuing education programs. “Soon, we will be the first dental school to integrate digital dentistry in our undergraduate and continuing dental education programs,” she said

UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee congratulated the College and remarked, “Dentistry is the college that makes me smile.”

He emphasized the need to integrate oral health into education, noting that children’s dental health is often overlooked when they enter first grade, affecting their ability to eat and learn. Drawing from discussions at the Tri-Focal Education Management Conference in Laoag, he said UP Manila would focus on early childhood care and development, inclusive education, and mentorship across generations, highlighting the College of Dentistry’s strong culture of faculty guidance and community engagement.

He also announced continued institutional support for modernization, including additional dental chairs and dental equipment for clinics, and stressed the importance of caring for resources funded by public support

The ceremony also recognized alumni of the College of Dentistry, including members of the Silver Jubilarian Class of 2001. In her closing remarks, alumna Dr. Vergilyn Melliza-Montales reflected on the enduring impact of UP Dentistry on its graduates. “You taught us that success isn’t just about titles or achievements, but about service, integrity, and the lives we touch,” she said

As the College marks more than a century of service, Montales affirmed the legacy shared by generations of graduates: “We will always be proud and grateful to call this home. Mabuhay ang UP Dentistry”

As part of the celebration, the College lined up several activities throughout the week, including a white coat and pinning ceremony, research presentations, faculty exchange showcases, free dental clinics for the UP Manila community, and a thanksgiving event for partners and sponsors.