The Philippine Dental Association, the country’s oldest and biggest dental organization, honored the 10 topnotchers in the December 2019 dental board examinations with a testimonial luncheon at the PDA’s St. Apolonia Hall in Makati City on Jan. 29.
Top PDA officials led by Dr. Stephen Almonte, president of PRC’s board of dentistry, commissioners Dr. Maria Jona Develos Godoy and Dr. Robert Tajonera and Dr. Rhodora Luciano, dean of the University of the East’s College of Dentistry, took turns in extolling the exemplary performance of the 10 dental board topnotchers.
The board topnotchers are Elyssa Jane Fernandez (1st), UE Manila; John Michael Briones Panganiban (2nd), UE Manila; Maxine Anne Alejandrino Remulla (3rd), UP Manila; Lady Jessamine Mamacotao Diamel (4th), UE Manila; Jayson Jhon Signo Palma (5th), Lyceum Northwestern University; Aika Gail Jimenez Vera Cruz (6th), UP Manila; Ansley Bernardo Yee (7th), UP Manila; Nadine Angela Paola Macasaet (8th), Davao Medical School Foundation; Anna Lorraine Hitosis Tonel (9th), UP Manila; and Marjorie Mariane Orlanda (10th), CEU Makati.
Dr. Almonte advised the new dentists to dedicate their success to a higher purpose—serving the country and their countrymen o matter how many fellowships they have obtained and endorsements from celebrities. He also encouraged them to participate in dental missions which are conducted especially in health centers.
Dr. Godoy, a member of the Professional Regulations Commission’s board of dentistry, exhorted the new dentists to keep honing their skills by pursuing their master’s or doctorate degrees so their academic track can be upgraded and eventually become fellows of their specialized organizations.