Text by: Charmaine A. Lingdas
“Studying at [the] College of Dentistry has given me the knowledge and preparation I needed to face the board exams with confidence. Knowing the things we have been through in college and the insights we gained from years of studying different fields in Dentistry made reviewing for the board exam much easier. It was more about recalling what we already know. The intense preparation we underwent in college was worth it,” says Dr. Nathaniel Kyle Adrian L. Delfin, who ranked first in the June 2024 Dentistry Licensure Examination, leading the display of another remarkable feat of excellence of the UP College of Dentistry (UPCD). Among the 18 successful candidates, six earned top ranks, showcasing their dedication to their craft and their commitment to serving the community.
Leaders in Dentistry
Dr. Delfin expressed his immense gratitude to everyone in UPCD who supported him on his journey to becoming a dentist. He specifically thanked his professors, in particular his clinical adviser Dr. Melanie Ruth Karganilla-Frange for their unwavering support and guidance.
He recounted that his most memorable moment as a clinician was when the patients he treated expressed their approval and appreciation of his work.
“They would sometimes show their appreciation by returning to the college with gifts and small tokens that would make you smile and feel like what you are doing is right. These simple gestures show me why I am doing these things and why I continue to strive to do better for my patients.”
Dr. Delfin aims to further develop his skills and knowledge to better serve the community and promote the common good in Dentistry in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for more dentists willing to champion oral health care.
Dr. Maxine Denielle T. Gonzaga, who ranked second, faced her own set of challenges, including recovering from a serious accident and navigating the disruptions of the pandemic. “When you’re constantly pushed down by circumstances, there’s nowhere to go but up,” she said.
She thanks her professors, including her clinical adviser Dr. Bhabita Murjani, for their support through talks and sessions, especially during the pre-pandemic period. Dr. Gonzaga also expressed gratitude to Dr. Jessica K. Rebueno Santos, her research adviser, for her patience and guidance, and to Dean Michelle Segarra and Dr. Armin Segarra for the opportunity to be a student facilitator in programs like UPCD-CRED.
Stating her future plans, Dr. Gonzaga said that she plans “to give back to the community by being a good and responsible ‘Dentista ng Bayan’. I want to continue participating in dental missions and providing dental education to far-flung and less privileged areas.”
Third-ranked Dr. Nicole Eunice Rogel Alvarez was inspired by her uncle’s dedication to dentistry.
“I learned that being Iskolar ng Bayan is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of serving our countrymen. My education in Dentistry taught me that providing good quality service is essential in promoting the oral health of Filipinos,” she said.
Dr. Alvarez described her time as a student clinician as one of her most meaningful experiences, treating and educating patients like a real dentist. She also enjoyed her community dentistry programs and her stay in General Emilio Aguinaldo, Cavite.
“Such experiences made me recognize and appreciate the bigger role of being a dentist to the Filipino community.”
Dr. John Deuter Manalang Figueroa, who ranked fifth, credits his success to the unwavering support of his family and the rigorous training provided by the College of Dentistry. “I wish to acknowledge all my professors for imparting to me the significance of practicing dentistry with a strong sense of social responsibility and for instilling high standards in the field of dentistry. The institution taught me to prioritize the well-being of patients. May you continue to nurture dentists who consistently prioritize serving the nation.”
His plans include engaging with the local community through outreach programs and educational initiatives and pursuing continuous professional development through further education and training to enhance the quality of care he provides.
Sixth-ranked Dr. Gianna Marie Linchangco Marabut shared her struggles in finding patients, like most dentistry students. She visited Ermita and Malate, offering dental services and even fetching patients to ensure smooth appointments. She avoided hiring agents or professional patients, saying, “I wanted to serve those who needed and wanted it. It added time to my stay in college, but it was worth it.”
She expressed her gratitude to UPCD for its profound impact on her professional and personal development, noting “the comprehensive curriculum provided a deep understanding of dental science.”
Regarding her future plans, Dr. Marabut said, “I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community. I plan to participate in community outreach programs offering dental education and free or reduced-cost care to underserved populations. In the future, I intend to mentor dental students and young professionals, providing guidance and support as they navigate their careers.”
Dr. Aaron Eduardo Tuazon, who ranked eighth, recalled that his last clinical requirement was his most memorable experience. The patient had to change workplaces every few weeks, which affected their recall appointments. As a result, it took him four months to finish the case, which ideally would have taken only 2 to 3 weeks. At some point, he thought he wouldn’t be able to graduate by January, but he succeeded with the help of his batchmates.
“It took a village to finish that one clinical requirement! This experience taught me how to effectively communicate with patients and the importance of involving everyone in the journey when it feels heavy.” Dr. Tuazon acknowledged his clinical chair, Dr. Karganilla-Frange, who pushed each of them to finish their clinical requirements.
“UPCD is a battlefield. And in every battle, you need to be prepared. My entire stay in the College taught me how important it is to prepare for whatever may come—whether it be before an exam, before treating a patient, or when a patient cancels their appointment. This very same battlefield prepared us not just to be successful in the board exams but to face the world outside the college.”
A Bright Future for UPCD
The stories of the six topnotchers and their fellow passers reflect the core values of UP Manila’s College of Dentistry: resilience, dedication, and a commitment to service. As they step into their roles as healthcare professionals, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and values instilled by their alma mater.
With a 100% passing rate, UPCD continues to uphold its place in the forefront in dental education, preparing students not only to succeed in exams but to shine as leaders in their field.#
