Since 1908

PDA History

A timeline of milestones, Mid-1800s–2024. Based on the article by Victor R. Valdez, DDM, CPH, DPHD & Ariel D. Go, DDM.

Mid-1800s
Old University of Sto. Tomas in Intramuros, Manila
- Special course Cirujano Ministrante at the University of Sto. Tomas was opened
- Cirujano Ministrante graduates brought to the San Juan De Dios Hospital for further training under preceptorship to qualified medicos where they also learned dental care and procedures
1859
Dr. Bonifacio Arevalo
- Monsieur Fertri, a Frenchman, relocated from Hongkong to Calle Barbosa, Quiapo, Manila making dentistry a significant practice in the country
- M. Fertri collaborated with Don Jose Arevalo for dental prosthetics
1899
- The American Military Administration established a registry of dental practice and qualified the motley group, the trained and practicing dentists on the island
1903
- The civil government of the Philippines Commission Act No. 593 passed the first law on dentistry - January 10, 1903
1907
- Dr. Gregorio Ruiz Mateo, second Filipino dentist to study dentistry in the United States of America, formulated the plan for the organization of Filipino dentists
1908
Sociedad Dental de Filipinas
- The Sociedad Dental de Filipinas was founded and worked for change in the dental statutes of 1903 accepted all Filipino dentists as members
- The Sociedad was the first duly registered dental society that had for its purpose the protection of the profession
1912
- Colegio Dental del Liceo di Manila, first dental school established under the leadership of Gregorio R. Mateo, known as the Father of Dental Education who introduced “Infiltration Anesthesia”
1913
- Colegio Dental del Liceo di Manila renamed as Philippine Dental College
1915
- Second dental law Act No. 2462 implemented narrowing down the Doctor of Dental Surgery course to three years
- Dental Department of the College of Medicine and Surgery of the University of the Philippines established
1916
- Odontologia Filipina, official organ of the society, offshoot of the Sociedad Dental de Filipinas began and edited by Dr. Gregorio Agramon
1920
- The Sociedad, despite its hard work started to wane and became inactive as its leaders were growing old
1924
- Drs. Simeon Francisco Tecson, Eladio Aldecoa, Ermelo Vergel de Dios, etc. did intensive house-to-house campaign that persuaded numerous dentists to organize themselves into a compact, well-knit, active and powerful society that brought forth the National Dental Association (NDA) of the Philippine Island
- The National Dental Review, NDA’s official organ with Dr. Eladio Aldecoa as editor was published
1925
Dr. Simeon Francisco Tecson
- National Dental Association of the Philippine Island was formally inaugurated with Dr. Simeon Francisco Tecson as president
1929
- Act No. 3538 lengthened the dental course from three to four years
1930
- Reciprocity provision was enacted forbidding foreign dentists from practicing in the Philippines if they came from countries that do not grant the same privileges to Philippine dentists
1931
Dr. Gervasio Eraña
- The Philippine Society of Stomatologists was organized, perceived to rival the National Dental Association, and was short-lived
1932
- Act No. 4007 was passed: an act to reorganize the departments, bureaus and offices of the insular government, and for other purposes
- Dr. Gervasio Eraña led a campaign for a coalition with the Sociedad
1933
- The Supreme Court decided on a case that a license holder to practice medicine is not entitled to practice dentistry without first having obtained a certificate of registration as dentist and having paid the privilege tax
1934
- A bill which would put dentistry to its demise as a profession was proposed, stating that a medical practitioner could engage in dentistry without taking the dental examination
- Dr. Victorino Villa and Dr. Gervasio Eraña fought hard against the bill
- Bill vetoed by Governor General Frank Murphy
1936
Pampanga Dental Post-Graduate Study Club, May 1936
- The United States dental education adopted a minimum two-year dental course causing disturbance in the Philippine dental schools’ set-up
1945
- Philippine Dental Association (PDA) came to existence as joint organizations Sociedad Dental de Filipinas and National Dental Association merged with Dr. Joaquin Ladao as president (1945–46)
- PDA issued a lengthy statement correcting the notion of the American dentists on Philippine dentistry as they published articles about many Filipinos wearing gold teeth dubbed as the “18-karat smile”
- Dr. Ermelo Vergel de Dios was president (1946–47), later became one of the founders of Federation of Dental Practitioners in the Philippines
1946
- Dr. Gervasio Eraña went to the United States to gather materials for the convention, visited the American Dental Association (ADA) and state dental societies informing them about the Philippine Dental Association as the national professional organization of dentists in the Philippines
- Dr. Gervasio Eraña took over regency of ICD-Section 30 and fought hard to prevent diploma mills
1948
- New dental laws enacted in which PDA played key role:
- Republic Act No. 417 granting the Board to have more control in regulating and raising the standard of dentistry in the Philippines
- Republic Act 481 signed by President Elpidio Quirino ensured more efficient dental care for the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as spearheaded by Congressman Ricardo Ladrido
- First issue of the Journal of the Philippine Dental Association published in January
1949
- The Federation of Dental Practitioners in the Philippines chaired by Ermelo Vergel de Dios cut ties with the Philippine Dental Association, with reasons not certainly established
1955
- Dr. Alfredo Nacu
- PDA Annual Convention on May 8, 1955, held at the Fiesta Pavillion, Manila Hotel
- Trust fund for the acquisition of a permanent lot and headquarters was initiated by Dr. Bienvenido Eraña together with his father Dr. Gervasio Eraña
1961
Dr. Luz Macapanpan
- Dr. Luz Macapanpan
- Dr. Luz Macapanpan, “Mother of Philippine Orthodontics,” was the first lady president of PDA (1961–1962)
- House of Delegates (HOD) was organized, the law-making body of the association
- First HOD meeting took place, PDA presiding an induction of the chapter officers with Dr. Dominador Santos as first HOD Speaker and Dr. Germanico Carreon as Speaker Pro Tempore
- Dr. Bienvenido Eraña donated the entire first floor of a commercial building on Arlegui St., Quiapo, Manila for PDA’s exclusive use
1963
- Dr. Genaro Felizardo became the 19th president of the PDA, continued by Dr. Agaton Ursua through 1965
1965
- Dr. Lorenzo Paulino
- The Philippine Dental Act of 1965 or RA 4419 was signed into law by President Diosdado Macapagal creating the Council on Dental Education and the Council for the Advancement of Dental Research
1966
International College of Dentists
- Dr. Bienvenido Eraña
- On May 20, 1966 International College of Dentists (ICD) Philippine Section attains autonomy
- Dr. Luz Macapanpan initiated plans for the first ever PDA Post Graduate Course offered at no cost to all members of good standing
1971
- Dr. Primo Gonzales
- Dr. Sofronio San Juan secretary of ICD Philippine Section, Inc. together with Dr. Felipe Liwanag Sr., represented the organization’s application for incorporation on September 28th
1972
- Dr. Felipe Galvan
- New headquarters was established in a rented office space at Room 202 Amparo Bldg., 1950 United Nations Avenue, Manila that served as the PDA Central Office until 1980
1973
- Dr. Sofronio San Juan
- The Incorporation of the ICD Philippine Section, Inc., with Registration No. 52443 was finally approved on August 21, 1973
- Dr. Amado Veloira, Secretary of ICD submitted the detailed explanation as to how the ICD will carry its objectives, as requirements for SEC’s registration
- Dr. Dominador Santos Sr. served as President of ICD Philippine Section for five terms (1973–1978)
1977
Philippine International Convention Center
- Dr. Conrado Salonga
- First Asia Pacific Regional Conference of ICD held in the Philippines on February 7–8, 1977
- PDA hosted the 8th Congress of Asia Pacific Dental Congress (APDC) on February 7–13, 1977 at the Philippine International Convention Center
1979
- Dr. Amado Veloira
- A fund drive was launched for the acquisition of PDA Headquarters’ lot in Makati and laying of its cornerstone were carried out through the labors of Dean Ruben Navia (Unciano College), Dr. Conrado Salonga, Dr. Guillermo Juliano, Dr. Estelita Olivas, and Dr. Amado Veloira
1980
- Dr. Estelita Olivas
- Blessing and inauguration of the PDA National Headquarters held on August 9, 1980
- Unveiling of the “Decade of the Filipino Child Marker” - the PDA being the principal participant in the global observance of the “INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD”
- Dr. Victor Valdez was PDA chair for the oral health component of the celebration
1981
Dr. Renato Sison
- Dr. Renato Sison became youngest PDA President-Elected at age 33, had his second term as PDA president in 2000
1982
- Dr. Renato Sison
- Dr. Diampo Lim who wrote manuscripts of dental interest published here and abroad became president (2nd term 1995–96)
1984
- September 5, 1984, a new “Smile Bus” was donated by the Philippine Refining Company together with the fifty thousand (P50,000) pesos cash
- Ladrido Memorial Lectures was launched in November by the officers of ICD Philippine Section in honor of Dr. Ricardo Ladrido
1985
Dr. Rodolfo Lamug
- Dr. Rodolfo Lamug
- Dr. Rodolfo Lamug became ICD President (1984–85) and pursued projects on Faculty Development Program and Preventive Dentistry Program
- Dr. Manuel Garcia and the PDA officers hosted the 74th Annual Dental World Congress of the Federation Dentaire Internationale at the Philippine International Convention Center
1986–1993
- Forerunners and successors in the likes of chairman Dr. Primo Gonzales, Dr. Gaudencio Paguia, Dr. Dominador Santos Jr., Dr. Virgilio Alcazaren, Dr. Salvador Valte, Hermogenes Villareal, all left great marks in the PDA; some of the many accomplishments through their years of leadership were:
- PDA Guide Book on Protocol
- First Dental Archives and Museum of the PDA
- PDA clinic (opened to serve the underprivileged in Metro Manila)
- PDA Printing Press
- PDA Library
1994
- Dr. Jose Virata
- The 17th Asia Pacific Dental Congress was held in the Philippines on February 3–9 chaired by Dr. Ruben Navia
1996
- Dr. Jesus Tumaneng
- PDA Standard Operating Rules Procedures & Guidelines created, became the guiding protocol of every administration with then House of Delegates Speaker Dr. Libertad “Nena” Nolido
- PDA awarded “MOST OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION” by the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) for the first time
1997
- Condominium unit at the Metropolitan Tower was acquired which became extension office and shelter for transient members
- PDA Constitution was amended on November 29th and became the Philippine Dental Association, Inc. with Securities and Exchange Commission Registration No. A199806893
1999
House of Delegates
- Dr. Henry Uy
- Parliamentary Procedures Manual was published by the HOD under Speaker Dr. Luis Uy
- Request made by Dr. Flor Enriquez to the Department of Finance EXEMPTING DENTISTS from paying mayor’s permit and business tax which is effectual to this date
2000
- Dr. Renato Sison
- 500 sqm lot acquisition from the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) in Taguig City purposed for PDA Oral Health Research Center through PDA Trustee Dr. Roberto Montellano
- Dr. Amado Veloira created and submitted for implementation the PDA Election Code under Dr. Lucy Honrado’s term as HOD Speaker
2001
- Dr. Armyl Bañez
- Computer units doled out to qualified dental chapters
- Implementation of PDA Hymn to be sung in all PDA official functions
- “Text PDA” project transpired
2002
- Dr. Luis Uy
- PDA official website was launched
- The 1998 Amended PDA Constitution and By-Laws were imposed
2003
Proclamation No. 559
- Dr. Walfrido Cruz
- Proclamation No. 559 declaring the month of February of every year as National Dental Health Month was decreed
- First National Dental Health Month celebrated
- Production of operative guidebook (CAPOG) as chapter and affiliate president’s tool in their reign of service was led by Dr. Manuel Dimanlig
- Second phase of PDA membership computerization program started using a software that would link to networking system and the PDA ID system chaired by Dr. Elizabeth Carrasco
2004
- Dr. Arsenio Donesa
- First concurrence of PDA Annual Convention and the 25th Asia Pacific Dental Congress chaired by Dr. Diampo Lim
2006
- Dr. Mario Esquillo
- Sisterhood agreement with Taiwan Dental Association ensued
- Second “MOST OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION” award given by the Professional Regulations Commission
- The Oral Research Center at the BCDA Compound was inaugurated
2007
Republic Act No. 9484
- Dr. Leticia Santos
- The Philippine Dental Act of 2007 (RA 9484) regulating the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene and dental technology was approved by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
2008
- Dr. Eliezer Blanes
- The Centennial Year was celebrated
- Collaborative works with the PRC-BOD regarding review and amendment of the 1983 Code of Ethics/Regulatory Code of Dental Practice
2009
- Dr. Leo Gerald De Castro
- “Fundamentals of Dental Jurisprudence, Ethics and Practice Management” by Dr. Leonor Tripon-Rosero with co-authors Josue Bellosillo and Emmanuel J. Mapili was released
- “History of Organized Dentistry in the Philippines” penned by Dr. Ariel del Rosario Go was launched as the Centennial Year celebration was concluded at the Manila Hotel
2010
- Dr. Ma. Isabel Brual
- Memorandum of Agreement signed by PDA, Philippine National Police and the Department of Health to fight illegal dental practitioners
- “Happy Smiles for Healthy Kids” with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Lamoiyan Corporation continued
- Formation of first ever Committee on Forensic Dentistry and the first bloodletting program with the Philippine Blood Center and Philippine National Red Cross took place
2011
- Dr. Roberto Tajonera
- “Happy Smiles for Healthy Kids” with the DepEd and the first “I Learn We Learn” leadership training program took place
- Life insurance and health care programs for members implemented
- Cleft lip and palate surgeries rendered, benefiting almost one million patients nationwide
- Oral Cancer Billboards and awareness advocacy propagated
- Memorandum of Agreement with RCBC for financial assistance to members who would avail of loans without collaterals for the construction and renovation of clinics
- Recipient of “MOST OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION” award for the third time
2012
- Dr. Arturo De LeonBatch Mistah
- Projects such as VIP (Very Important Patient) Referral Service, sugar reduction advocacy, convention on dental technology, and projects in collaborations with government institutions to name a few
- Committee on Forensic Dentistry helped agencies in identifying disaster victims of different calamities
- First PDA Fun Run was initiated during the 8th National Dental Health Month celebration, with BINHI tree planting project
- Creation of the technical working group Ad Hoc Committee on legislations, community service for the country’s indigenous community, the PDA Cleft Lip and Palate (CLAP) project under the supervision of Dr. Carlos Buendia served and operated on numerous patients nationwide
- Spearheading of ISO accreditation process
- “MOST OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION” for the second consecutive year and the fourth received by PDA
- Dean Renato Sison won Most Outstanding Professional Awardee
2013
- Dr. Fernando Fernandez
- PDA worked with the National Monitoring and Epidemiological Dental Survey (NMEDS) with PRC and UP College of Dentistry
- First Stakeholders Meeting on Oral Health
- Adopt a School Project
- Adopt a Barangay
- Cleft Lip and Palate Projects
- First NDHM Jingle Writing contest
- Concert benefit show for the victims of typhoon Yolanda TEAM 1PDA
- Release of seed money from his term’s savings as calamity fund for every chapter in the country
2014
- Dr. Corazon FloresBatch Kaagapay
- 105th existence of the organization was celebrated
- Formation of the Industrial Dentistry Committee which aims to promote fairness, quality and maintain dignity and credibility
- Acquisition of portable dental units distributed to chapter and affiliate groups and numerous community outreaches and scientific conferences
2015
- Dr. Maria Lourdes CoronacionBatch Tanglaw
- PDA supported Republic Act 8525 of 1998 through Adopt a School / Barangay Program that includes oral health promotion to Local Government Units
- Collaborated with BINHI and Coastal Cleanup for environmental projects causing hundreds of seedlings planted in strategic areas around the country
- Started Project from the Heart: Special Gifts for Special Kids, Love Ako ni Teacher Healthy Smile Contest, Pustiso Challenge, the Basic Occupational Dental Health Course’s Offering, and the PDA - Person with Disability social responsibility project
2016
- Dr. Carlos BuendiaBatch Pagbabago
- Program on Continuing Professional Development where almost 300 scientific conferences were conducted nationwide with the different chapters and affiliates
- PDA Serbisyong Pinoy Public Health Program with nearly 1000 outreach conducted
- PDA Legal Affairs Committee and the National Bureau of Investigation partnered in fighting the rampaging cases of illegal practice of dentistry
- Establishment of Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation
- Appeal was made to the Department of Budget and Management to increase the salary grade of government dentists
- Continuation of Coastal Cleanup and BINHI tree planting projects
- Oral health promotion and research initiating the comic magazine production contest with Optimum Dental Quality Care as theme and other projects like the Twinning Program: Kambal sa Paglilingkod
2017
- Dr. Mark VillalobosBatch Matikas
- Renewal of Certificate of Accreditation for the PDA as the (AIPO) for dentists, dental hygienists and dental technologists
2018
- Dr. Arleen ReyesBatch Masigasig
- The Batch Masigasig initiated the Oral Health Awareness jingle, “Beautiful Smile” and the slogans “Sugar Away Iwas Tooth Decay” and “Tooth Decay, Hindi Okay” which started the bandwagon of Public Health Slogans that promote good oral health
- For the first time in PDA history, a successful joint congress of APDC and PDA Congress gave rise to the PDA Van, the 1st official transport of the PDA
2019
- Dr. Stephen AlmonteBatch Magilas
- First National Toothbrushing Day
- Biggest tree planting
- 23,000 Trees In One day
- Paperless convention
- Infection Control Guidelines for COVID-19
- PDA Cleft Lip and Palate Golf Tournament
- Huge banners of the catchy dental slogans #Tooth Decay Hindi Ok/#Sugar Away, Iwas Tooth Decay around campuses, public places and transports for transit advertising or out of home promotion and for oral health awareness
- Recognized globally by FDI for best pledge collection during the Oral Health Day in 2020 for #UniteForMouthHealth
2020
PDA Annual Convention
- Dr. Alvin LaxamanaBatch Hinirang
- He is considered the “pandemic president”
- His term despite the stoppage of most activities and the silence of the dental industry has managed to stay afloat thru the Vidcast Webcam Series. This has become the best avenue for learning and earning for PDA as it managed to fund the term’s financial needs despite the passiveness of sponsors
- His term began the refurbishing of the old PDA Indigency clinic which is our best means of serving the indigents of Makati
- Federation Dentaire International (FDI) Grant Smile Winner 2021 Champion - PDA Philippines - Abra Chapter during the Presidency of Dr. Ramarie Dickson, AY 2020–2021
2021
PDA Talks
- Dr. Jose Angelo MilitanteBatch Sinagtala
- Online Talk show - PDA Talks
- First Bike Alay Parada during the 18th National Dental Health Month
- PDA and the Tobacco Control Movement
- Dental tourism meeting to discuss the rules and regulations governing the accreditation of dental clinics for dental tourism
- Under the chairmanship of Dr. Xandro Raymond Dael of the Information Committee, Toothbrushing Jingle entitled, “Brush sa Umaga, Brush sa Gabi” was composed by Dr. Jennifer Mercado-Añonuevo for the Third National Toothbrushing Day
2022
Oral Health, Oral Mismo!
- Dr. Cheryl Del RosarioBatch Sandigan
- 327 PRC Approved CPD Programs
- 3-year PDA Public Health Program: Oral Health, Ora Mismo
- Issued a Moratorium on Dental Outreach/Dental Missions in alignment with the recommendation of the DOH
- PDA Bloodletting Program “Pansagip Dugong Alay”
- Adopted the FDI’s Sustainability in Dentistry or Ecodentistry “Pilipinong Dentista Aaksyon Para sa Kalikasan” and other environmental projects
- Winner FDI Smile Grant 2023 - Toothousand Project by Dr. Artemio Licos Jr. and FDI World Oral Health Day Best Branded Photo 2023 in partnership with Manila Water Foundation
- Oplan Balik Ngiti in partnership with Haleon Philippines which gave 1,000 young Filipinos with rehabilitated smiles
- Institutionalization of the National Oral Cancer Awareness the month of April of every year
- Rehabilitation of Elsie Gaches Village Dental Clinic after 37 years
2023
Milyong Sipilyo, Angat Ngiting Pilipino
- Dr. Emmanuel CentenoBatch Sambisig
- Initiated the CONSTITUTION and BY LAWS SUMMIT
- Distributed more than 1M toothbrushes nationwide thru the support of stakeholders
- PDA was recognized as one of the top 5 professions by PRC
2024
- Dr. Ronaldo NuñezBatch Kapatiran
- Active collaboration with government agencies - Strengthened partnerships between the PDA and key government institutions to advance oral health policies, improve public dental services, and ensure alignment with national health priorities
- Nationwide campaign against illegal dental practice - Led a sustained nationwide initiative to combat illegal dental practice through public awareness campaigns, coordination with regulatory bodies, and support for enforcement actions to protect public safety and uphold professional standards
- Strengthening the dental profession through education and member engagement - Expanded continuing professional development programs, supported regional and local dental societies, and promoted ethical practice, unity, and professional growth among Filipino dentists nationwide

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