Accredited Programs

By: Dr. Ermelinda Sabater-Galang

Recognizing the importance of accreditation, the UP Graduate Program in Orthodontics applied for Philippine Board of Orthodontics (PBO) Accreditation recently. Having completed all the requirements, a site visit was scheduled by the Accreditation and Credentials Committee (ACC) on August 31, 2022.

Recently, the UP Graduate Program in Orthodontics expressed interest in applying for PBO Accreditation. Having completed all the requirements, a site visit was scheduled by the Accreditation and Credentials Committee (ACC) on August 31, 2022.

The committee set to evaluate the Program, was composed of Dr. Angela Centeno, Dr. Robert Eustaquio, Dr. Teresa Goduco, Dr. Catherine Juliano, and Dr. Ermelinda Galang as Chair. The site visitors were welcomed by the Chair of the Orthodontic Program, Dr. Cristina M. Laureta and the Dean of the UP College of Dentistry, Dr. Michelle S. Segarra, and a group of faculty members led by Dr. Martin Reyes, Dr. Ethel Escultura, Dr. Cecile Tuaño-Cabrera, Dr. Marie Joanna Marañon, Dr. Josievitz Zafra, and several students/residents of the Advanced Orthodontic Education Program.

Welcome remarks were given by Dean Michelle Segarra, Program Head Dr. Cristina Laureta, and Dr. Martin Reyes, after which Dr. Galang and Dr. Juliano gave a brief introduction of the purpose and importance of being accredited.  

The UP Orthodontic Program expressed that it continues to conform with local and international standards to be globally competitive.

The exchange of introductory remarks was immediately followed by a tour of the facilities led by several teaching staff and non-academic staff. While inspecting the facilities, questions were raised to verify important information. The site visit culminated in a closed-door discussion between the ACC and the residents and the ACC and the faculty separately.

After a thorough deliberation among the Accreditation and Credentials Committee members, the Orthodontic Program was found to have met the basic standards required for accreditation. Upon approval of the Executive Council of the PBO headed by Dr. Rachel Yang-Lim, the UP Orthodontic Graduate Program was accredited on October 24, 2022. The accreditation is valid for 10 (ten) years.

With this PBO Accreditation achievement for the UP College of Dentistry Graduate Program in Orthodontics, it is hoped that other universities offering Orthodontic Graduate Programs will follow suit.

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.

UP, October 2, 2018

MCU, October 9, 2018

UE, October 16, 2018

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.

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.