Dentistry Schools and Programs in Philippines

Dentistry Studies in Philippines

Are you a student of dentistry and/or the dental sciences who is considering the possibility of studying abroad as a member of a student exchange program of some kind?  Have you considered the beautiful and exotic country of the Philippines as a potential study abroad destination?  Studying abroad in the Philippines, either for a summer session, semester or academic year, can open up a whole new world of academic and professional opportunities, while simultaneously giving you the opportunity to explore one of the most picturesque nations in the world.
 
The Philippines, officially referred to as the Republic of the Philippines, is an independent island nation in Southeast Asia, situated in the western Pacific Ocean.  The large archipelago consists of over 7,000 islands that are categorized under three main geographical divisions:  Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.  The capital of the Philippines is Manila, while the most populous city is Quezon City; both are part of the Greater Manila Metropolitan region.
 
Across the Luzon Strait, to the north of the Philippines, lies Taiwan and Vietnam sits to the west of the country across the China Sea.  The Philippines is also situated near the island of Borneo across the Sulu Sea; near the island of Indonesia, to the south, separated by the Celebes Sea; and is bounded by the Philippine Sea and the island of Palau to the east.  The Philippines’ location on the Ring of Fire and its close proximity to the equator makes the country very prone to earthquakes and typhoons, but also endows it with abundant natural resources and some of the world’s greatest biodiversity. 
 
At roughly 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 sq, mi), the Philippines is the 64^th largest country in the world by total area, and its population, totaling approximately 100 million inhabitants, makes it the seventh largest country in Asia and the twelfth-most populated country in the world.
 
Dentistry Education in the Philippines
 
Dentistry is one of the most prestigious courses of study offered by universities in the Philippines, and is regulated and supervised by the council on dental education. At present, there are less than 20 schools providing dental education nationwide, including both public and private institutions. The Board of Dentistry of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) regulates the proper practice of dentistry in the Philippines.

To qualify for admission into one of the dental schools in the Philippines, qualified candidates must:

• Hold a bachelor degree or higher in an approved field of study, typically a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy or physiology.
• Take and pass the pre-dental school entrance examination required by each specific university that offers dentistry education.
• Be of good moral character
• Provide a copy of transcripts of records (TOR) with CHED special order

Dental education in the Philippines takes 6 years to complete. It includes 2 years of pre-dental courses, followed by 4 years of “dental proper,” which includes clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed dental instructor.  The structure of dentistry education in the county is embodied in Republic Act (R.A) No. 4419, also known as the Philippine Dental Act of 1965.
Students who wish to practice dentistry in the Philippines following graduation must take and pass the National Dental Licensure examination. This is held in Manila at least twice a year, usually during the months of May and December.

There are literally dozens of potential career opportunities awaiting those who pass the Dentists’ Licensure Examination in the Philippines. Here’s a brief list of the various dental-related jobs available to students who earn their degree and certification:

• Dental Assistant
• Doctor of Dental Medicine
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (Oral Surgeon)
• Associate Dentist in private dental clinics
• Dental Office Manager
• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Consultant
• Orthodontist
• School Dentist

Among the approximately 12 institutions offering dental education in the Philippines, some of the best performing schools, as measured by student performance on the licensure examination, are the University of the Philippines, Lyceum of Batangas, University of Baguio, Our Lady of Fatima University, and Centro Escolar University.

Why Study Abroad in the Philippines

Studying abroad in the Philippines is a fantastic opportunity for interested students. The Philippines is the third largest English-speaking country in the world, and follows the American system of education, hence giving students the option to transfer credits one-for-one, not just at dental institutions within the United States, but at dental schools around the world.

The Philippines has strong economic, demographic and cultural ties with the U.S., but its sights and attractions are 100 percent Filipino, offering students the unique opportunity to learn the cultures and traditions of this proud land while enjoying some of the fun and interesting sites the country has to offer.  When not busy studying in the classroom or lab, students will find a new and exciting world to explore in the Philippines, with popular attractions that include:

San Agustin Church, Manila
 
Located in the heart of Manila, the magnificent San Agustin Church is definitely a must-see attraction, particularly for those with a passion for 16^th century architecture. Built in 1589, this beautiful church has survived seven earthquakes and two fires over the centuries, and now stands as the oldest remaining stone church in the Philippines.  At the main entrance, students will notice exquisite carvings on the thick wooden doors; and once inside the structure, they will no doubt be awed by the lovely, Mexican-influenced interior, designed in the shape of a Latin cross. The gorgeous ceiling is also a beautiful sight to see, painted in the 1800s by the Italian artists, Giovanni Dibella and Cesare Alberoni.
 
Mayon Volcano
 
Rising more than 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level, the Mayon Volcano is a very significant Filipino site, largely due to its perfectly symmetrical cone shape. Visitors can enjoy a number of activities near the base of the grand volcano, including camping, climbing, hiking, bird watching and photography.  The Mayon Volcano is the most active volcano in the Philippines, having erupted over 49 times in the past 400 years. The most destructive eruption occurred on February 1, 1814, which literally bombarded the nearby towns with volcanic rocks and ash. In one of these towns, the belfry and what is left of the baroque church following the 1814 eruption can still be seen.  The Mayon Volcano also makes for a picturesque locale from which to admire the nearby Cagsawa ruins.
 
Puerto Galera
 
Located just to the south of the capital city of Manila is the charming coastal town of Puerto Galera.  This seaside community is well-favored by locals and tourists alike for its gorgeous beaches, excellent diving spots and its wide diversity of marine species. The most popular beaches that comprise Puerto Galera are White Beach and Sabang Beach.  Together these regions offer some of the best opportunities for nearby shopping, dining, nightlife and hotel accommodations.  Another popular attraction found here is the natural harbor of Muelle Bay, known for its rows of shops, restaurants and trendy bars.

Visitors itching to cool off in the beautiful blue water of Puerto Galera can try their hand at snorkeling, where they’ll see some of Asia’s best coral reefs, old shipwrecks and hundreds of fish and other marine species.