PBO Accredited Graduate Orthodontic Programs

 

ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE SITE VISIT

by: Ma. Catherine Veneracion-Juliano, DMD, FAPO, DPBO


On October 2018, The Philippine Board of Orthodontics’ Accreditation Committee conducted a site visit on four universities offering an orthodontic graduate program namely, the University of the Philippines (Manila), University of the East (Manila), Manila Central University and Centro Escolar University.

University of the Philippines

UP, October 2, 2018

University of the Philippines

MCU, October 9, 2018

Manila Central University

UE, October 16, 2018

University of the Philippines

CEU, October 23, 2018


The main focus of the site visit was to encourage the universities to have its orthodontic graduate program be accredited. 

Its primary objective is to elevate the standard of Orthodontics in the Philippines.  Much emphasis was given to why it is important to seek accreditation such as the evaluation of the effectiveness of an orthodontic program in terms of how well it prepares the residents to meet certain professional standards and to elevate the status of the university’s orthodontic program, thereby, producing highly qualified specialists.  The public will also benefit as they become the recipients of quality orthodontic care.  Most importantly, the residents of the university can determine if their orthodontic program of choice is accredited before committing to a program.

The benefits of an accredited institution and the impact of being a non- accredited orthodontic program were fully emphasized.  Each university was  encouraged to visit the PBO website for its accreditation guidelines for an advanced specialty education program in Orthodontics.


The Accreditation Committee site visit was well attended and received by the Dean of each university and its teaching staff.  The attendees shared thoughts and suggestions for consideration on the application of accreditation of the individual graduate orthodontic program, and addressed the issues that impede the intent for application while also discussing related barriers and solutions to initiate the application for accreditation.

PBO Position regarding Graduates of Orthodontic Training Programs in the Philippines

As per 2009 WFO Guidelines on Postgraduate Orthodontic Education, only university-based 2-3 year training programs will be recognized by the PBO.

ACCREDITED Programs:

  • University of the Philippines (October 24, 2022)

NON-ACCREDITED Programs:

  • Centro Escolar University
  • University of the East
  • Manila Central University
  • Cebu Doctors’ University

Certain privileges are accorded to those who are students/graduates of Accredited Programs:

  1. Enrolled students of accredited programs are automatically accepted as student members of the APO Graduates.
  2. Graduating residents of accredited programs are exempted from taking the phase 1 examinations and can, therefore, proceed to take the phase II examinations.
  3. Upon successful completion of Phase II examinations and conferment of diploma/certificate from the training institution, they are eligible to apply for Associate membership at the APO.

Students/graduates of Non-Accredited Programs

  1. Students enrolled in non-accredited university training programs can become APO student members.
  2. Graduates or graduating residents of the non-accredited training programs must take the PBO phase I examinations before they can proceed to take Phase II Examinations.
  3. Upon successful completion of Phase II examinations and conferment of diploma/certificate from the training institution, they are eligible to apply for Associate membership at the APO.