The West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Dentistry welcomed the Technical Panel for Dental Education from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at the College of Dentistry Building last April 14, 2025.
The engagement was part of WVSU’s application for the Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) for the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, particularly for the continuation of its 5th and 6th year offerings.
Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, opened the program with her welcoming remarks, expressing gratitude to CHED for conducting the visit and emphasizing the collective efforts of the COD faculty and staff in preparing for the program’s compliance with national standards.
Representing CHED Region 6, Dr. Arnold John Anceno introduced the members of the CHED Technical Panel for Dental Education (TPDE):
- Dr. Demetrio Daet, Chairperson and Dean of the Universidad de Zamboanga School of Dentistry
- Dr. Arturo De Leon, Member and Dean of the Our Lady of Fatima University College of Dentistry
- Dr. Cheryl Del Rosario, Member and former President of the Philippine Dental Association
- Aileen Rachel Delina, CHED representative from the Office of Programs and Standards Development.
- Dr. Liza Assumpta Jover, COD Dean, presented the Doctor of Dental Medicine program, highlighting its curriculum structure, faculty profile, facilities, and student population.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Lester Joseph Cardenas, COD Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, who expressed optimism for a successful outcome and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to providing quality dental education.
After the brief program, the COD led the CHED TPDE team on a tour of the Dentistry Building, showcasing its rooms, facilities, and introducing the students.
The outcome of the CHED Technical Panel for Dental Education’s visit and evaluation will determine the status of the university’s application for the Certificate of Program Compliance. If granted, West Visayas State University will become the second public university in the country and the first in Western Visayas to offer a full Doctor of Dental Medicine program.
Text and photos by JA Temelo/PAMCO
