Bringing better smiles

Like any other medical profession, dentists undergo rigorous education and training to get to where they are – caring for oral health, bringing better smiles, and driving innovation in the profession. In the Philippines, the profession is believed to have started 200 years ago. Fast forward to today, Filipino dentists have been successfully bringing better smiles locally and in other parts of the  globe – showcasing Pinoy excellence anywhere they practice.

A familial inspiration

Coming from a family of dental professionals, it was no surprise for Justin Ravina Angeles to also join the field. “I have always been immersed in dentistry. With my parents being dentists, I was always around the profession and saw how we can change lives for the better,” he said. 

To complete the circle, he pursued the degree at Centro Escolar University (CEU) Makati not only to have the same training as his parents (being CEU alumni themselves) but also to take the opportunity to be part of an institution known for its “excellent dental education.”

Now working as the head of the pediatric department in Studio City Dental Group and a general dentist in Global City Dentistry, he oversees the department in addition to diagnosing and maintaining oral hygiene of children. His college education served as a tool to kickstart his career in the US. 

“In order to be a foreign trained US dentist you have to compete against dentists from around the world for a few spots,” he shared. “Being a CEU alumnus made it easier to outshine other candidates with the knowledge and fundamentals the University has taught me.” 

Legacy pursuits

For Patricia Suiza, becoming a dentist was no surprise. Coming from a clan of dentists her grandfather, aunt, and second cousin were dental practitioners— she always knew she would become one. “I always knew that I would be a dentist despite having other interests during that time. Family had a huge impact on that decision,” she said.

Which school to go to was also an easy decision for her. They are a family of Escolarians—her father, all her aunts, two cousins, including all the dentists in her family – making it a no-brainer to attend CEU.

Consistently on the dean’s list and graduating at the top of her batch, Patricia believes that education goes beyond books and titles and is a journey. Proof is her active participation in extracurricular activities to which she attributes 70 percent of her life skills. 

“The skills I learned outside the classroom have prepared me for life outside school. Up to this date, I truly believe that I learned to be self-managed and competent from the extracurricular involvement I used to have,” she said.  

Armed with a good education and these life skills, Patricia co-owns two dental clinics—Valeria Doctors Inc. and Dental Corner Prime Clinic. She also serves as a clinical consultant for GAOC and Novodental. Apart from her dental business endeavors, she also co-owns Light MD Aesthetics and SM Resorts and Events Properties Inc.

A fascination turned devotion 

For a California-registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), everything started as a simple fascination with teeth. “I am fascinated by teeth and how they affect our confidence and health. I was also inspired by how my dentist works.” 

After completing her Doctor of Dental Medicine from CEU Makati, Jasmine Kaye B. Minas now takes care of dental patients in California where she educates them on proper oral hygiene and preventing systemic diseases that may originate from the mouth. 

For Filipino licensed dentists to be able to practice in the states as dental assistants, they need to pass the board exams. Jasmine considers her dental medicine education from CEU instrumental in shaping her global competitiveness and passing the board exams for Dental Assisting to become a California-registered Dental Assistant (RDA).  

“My exceptional training and experience with numerous clinical cases at CEU Makati have prepared me to achieve my professional goals and excel in my current profession,” Jasmine said.

Centro Escolar University School of Dentistry

Among the leading universities offering dental medicine education programs in the country is CEU. Having been founded in 1925, the institution has been known to produce the country’s best dental professionals. The degree accords students with a solid ground for the essentials of Dental Medicine as well as thorough hands-on training run by dental professionals and educators. 

The institution has played a crucial role in the success of doctors ---Justin, Patricia, and Jasmine. The education provided them with the essential knowledge and skills and varied experiences—both curricular and extracurricular—challenged them to persevere, and the community served as a source of support. 

Discover more about CEU’s Doctor of Dental Medicine program by scanning this code.