WVSU proudly stands as the first state university in Region VI to introduce the Doctor of Dental Medicine Program, a pioneering effort that makes it the second institution among state universities in the country to offer such a program. Despite its costly nature, the program boasts free tuition, and the College of Dentistry (COD) generously provides dental equipment, along with a majority of supplies and materials.
The establishment of the COD was formalized under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) En Banc Resolution No. 002-2019. WVSU’s Board of Regents, through Resolution No. 126-A-2019 dated December 21, 2019, approved the creation of the COD. Dr. Liza Assumpta Jover, a distinguished professional, assumed the role of the founding Dean.
CHED issued a license to operate for Levels I and II on July 27, 2020, allowing the COD to welcome its inaugural batch. In 2023, the College underwent a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation process by the Technical Committee on Dental Education, leading to the issuance of a government permit for Levels III and IV.
With an initial faculty team comprising Dr. Liza Assumpta M. Jover, Dr. Lester Joseph G. Cardenas, and Dr. Ma. Rosvia B. Bagaforo, and one staff member, the College commenced its journey. The early years of the curriculum focused on General Education courses and a couple of professional courses, utilizing the limited faculty effectively. As the range of professional courses expanded, part-time faculty were hired, and five permanent faculty members joined the team.
The pioneer batch anticipates graduating in FY 2027, succeeding in the licensure examination, and subsequently serving in underserved areas lacking dental services.
Active in extension programs, the College completed a project titled “Pustiso ni Lolo’t Lola” in the town of Barotac Viejo. The project, conducted in three phases, addressed the dental needs of the community, and ongoing collaboration with the Barotac Viejo LGU is underway.
As the newest addition to WVSU, the COD engages in the Simulation-Based Education Research project under CHED-LAKAS. Collaborating with the College of Medicine, College of Nursing, and other partner State Universities, the COD faculty developed modules on five disciplines, aiming for standardization and utilization across dental schools.
Physical Facilities
While the Academic II or Dentistry Building’s full completion is expected by March 2024, the ground floor is already 100% ready for use as of January 2024. Currently, the COD utilizes two rooms at the College of Information and Communications Technology and one room at The College of Medicine for displaying human plastinated specimens.
The state-of-the-art Dentistry Building aligns with green technology, featuring wide windows for proper ventilation, digital panoramic X-ray machines to limit hazardous ionizing radiation, and ambidextrous dental chairs. Additionally, in support of WVSU’s Gender and Development initiatives, the new building includes toilets for individuals who identify as LGBT.
Equipment, dental supplies, and materials are on-site and ready for installation in the new building, including 32 dental chairs and 20 simulators. The procurement process is underway for additional dental equipment.
The clinical infirmary’s design adheres to the gold standards of the Center for Disease Control, ensuring optimal infection control. Soon, the College will utilize 8 to 10 classrooms and a simulation room for skill practice.
The Committee on Admissions has the authority to determine the criteria for selection and to recommend to the Dean for approval who from among the applicants is qualified for admission. The College selects applicants based on intellectual and personal preparedness irrespective of gender, religious belief and political affiliation. It reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant whose admission is deemed inimical to the best interest of the College and the University.
1) The applicant must be a graduate of a Senior High School STEM track. Those who finished a non-STEM track should demonstrate the competencies required of STEM track graduates prior to admission to the program. Also, the applicant may be a holder of any degree in the allied health/medical sciences.
2) The applicant must have a weighted average of 85% (or its equivalent) or better for all high school subjects.
3) The applicant must have met the WVSU College Admission Test (CAT) score set by the College
4) The applicant must pass the physical (including visual acuity test), psychological, aptitude, dexterity and cognitive skill examination conducted by the College.
5) The applicant must be of good moral character.
6) The applicant must not have been convicted by final judgment of any crime involving moral turpitude.
7) The applicant must have good academic records compliant with the standards set forth by the Admissions Committee.
8) The applicant must undergo the interview process on the date scheduled by the Admissions Committee.
9) The applicant may apply only once per school year.
10) The applicant shall be evaluated based on documents submitted prior to interview.
11) The College has the prerogative to determine the number of students who shall be admitted.
12) The applicant who is qualified for enrollment but fails to enroll in that particular school year shall have to reapply and undergo the screening process anew.
13) Filipino students shall be given priority for admission.
14) As per Board of Regents resolution no. 27- 2021 available slots shall be given to the top applicants permanently residing in Region VI, and the remaining slots shall be filled by applicants from outside Western Visayas.
15) The list of accepted applicants shall be endorsed by the Admission Committee and becomes final and official once signed by the College Dean.
1) New students and/or qualified transferees are admitted only to the first year in the first semester.
2) Application for admission starts and ends on the dates set by the College.
3) Application forms may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar of the College of Dental Medicine or downloaded from the official website of the College www.cdent.wvsu.edu.ph.
A hard copy of the completed application form shall be submitted to the Office of the Registrar of the College of Medicine.
4) Application shall also be filed electronically at the official website of the University.
The official application form must be accompanied by:
5) Accepted applicants who are eligible to enroll for the incoming school year must confirm their respective slots on a date specified by the College.
6) Accepted applicants must pass the Physical Examination to be conducted by the West Visayas State University Medical Clinic physician and University dentist.
7) Upon enrollment, the following documents must be submitted:
8) Original copy of Transcript of Record
9) Physical and Dental Examination results
viii)Updated Immunization Record