It has been 28 years since the Pediatric Dentistry Center Philippines (PDCP) opened its doors to advocate for the oral health of children and persons with special needs. PDCP celebrated this milestone last July 26, 2024 in their first and only home at the 5th Floor of the Medical Arts Building in Fe del Mundo Medical Center in Banawe, Quezon City. It was a double celebration because it was also the graduation day of Batch 6 of the Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry (AEPD) as well.
The program started with a thanksgiving mass followed by the blessing of the newly renovated facilities of the center. The welcome address was given by Dr. Georgina Remulla, AEPD Training Director. She acknowledged the presence of one of PDCP's founders, Dr. Soledad Navarro and other guests from our partner institutions namely Mr. Ernesto Lolarga, Smile Train Philippines Program Manager; Ms. Vanessa Enriquez, Noordhoff Craniofacial Center Executive Director, Dr. Arlene de la Cruz-Medina, President-elect of the Philippine Pediatric Dental Society, Inc; Dr. Tina Sanidad and Dr. Marivic Limos, President and President-elect of PDA Quezon City Dental Chapter, respectively.
Dr. Jennie Wong, the Fe del Mundo Medical Center Medical Director, was invited to give the keynote address. She gave an inspirational message about professionalism and excellence in the medical and dental practice. She emphasized the value of research in training and the importance of giving back to the community.
The graduates, Dr. Patricia Grace Cruz-Bautista and Dr. Alexandra Fiona Pacat each gave their heartwarming response filled with anecdotes of their very colorful residency training. They expressed their deep gratitude for all those who supported their journey to achieve their goals of becoming specialists in the field of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Fina Lopez, PDCP Executive Director, gave her closing remarks and also showed her appreciation to everyone who were part of the journey of PDCP in the last 28 years. She gave emphasis to the PDCP consultants who have shown commitment to the Center, to serve not only its patients but also who selflessly teach the residents and train them to be the latest generation of pediatric dentists in our country today. Dr. Lopez reminded the graduates to always practice PDCP’s core values, as they were trained. The nine core values of PDCP spell out the word PEDIATRIC which stands for the following: P-patient-centered, E-excellence, D-dedicated, I-integrity, A-accountability, T-team work, R-respect, I-innovative, and C-compassion. All members and staff of PDCP live by and practice these core values which make the Center the pioneer in pediatric dental care. These core values have guided PDCP for the past 28 years and will continue to be the driving force of PDCP for the next 28 years or more.
To end our celebration, PDCP served a sumptuous lunch to all its guests and the families of the graduates.
