Our Lady of Fatima University’s (OLFU) College of Dentistry (COD) hailed a total of 73 newly inducted clinicians following the 17th White Coat Ceremony on 15 September 2023 at the Assembly Hall of the RISE Tower.
Following a solemn mass shepherded by University Chaplain Nicanor Lalog II, the opening ceremony formally commenced with an invocation of the esteemed faculty members and clinical instructors comprising Dr. Ida Balanag, Dr. Miguel Bartolo, Dr. Christian Beltran, Dr. Teddy Chua, Dr. Antonio Concepcion, Dr. Romeo Cruz Jr., Dr. Cynthia Dacayo, Dr. Shiela Mae Lao Dee, Dr. Jessamine De Jesus-Manzano, Dr. Raynand Dimaano, Dr. Maybelle Dinaga, Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, Dr. Katrina Hernandez, Dr. Joven Javier, Dr. Ricarda Louella Lavina, Dr. Patrica Dyan Ligon, Dr. Joanne Myrtel Lim, Dr. Samuel Malangen, Dr. Danilo Magtanong, Dr. Alexis Mongcal, Dr. Aura Luz Nebres-Abaya, Dr. Mikhaela Shane Lingad, Dr. Celeste Razon, Dr. Angela Sablan, Dr. Ramoncito Valdezco and Dr. Dixie Jill Yee.
Dean of the College of Dentistry, Dr. Arturo De Leon, concluded the ceremonial citation accompanying the guest of honor, his son, and the concurrent Student-Alumni Affairs Coordinator for COD, Dr. Art Kevin De Leon.
Proud parents of future Fatimanian dentists were especially acknowledged during the headline rite.
The singing of the Philippine National Anthem and OLFU Hymn had preceded the official introduction of Dr. Art Kevin De Leon whose catalog of works was presented in a lengthy welcoming piece.
De Leon, the founder of the Fatima Dental Students Association (FDSA) and a Past President of the OLFU Clinicians Club, later stepped up to the podium for his inspiring narrative.
The Fatimanian alumnus shared his struggles and the transformative experiences that shaped his yesteryears, and would later aspire to become the dental expert, educator, and content creator that he is today.
To cap off his part, De Leon reminded the newly inducted clinicians to take every possible opportunity, emphasizing that not trying is never a practical route to journey on.
The white coat rite was properly instituted with the lighting of the lilac candles initiated by the current FDSA President John Nicko Nery followed by the presentation of the candidates under the blessing of Dr. Sheila May Dee.
COD’s Chief-of-Clinics Dr. Ramoncito Valdezco spearheaded the charging of duties where he reminded the new clinicians of, not only the technical demands of their role as new entrants in the dental clinic but most importantly, the fundamental values that mold an accountable dental expert in the field of practice.
Representatives of the batch Honey Mae Enero and Myqaela Kristen led the recitations of oath with the code of ethics and the OLFU Core Values, respectively. This was followed by the reaffirmation of commitment under the delivery of another batch representative in the name of Mary Antonette Calica.
Closing the momentous event, Dean De Leon rendered a message of gratitude, assuring the parents that the new set of clinicians will further hone their skills under the stewardship of the College of Dentistry two years into the completion of their program.
In a deliberate show of appreciation, proud families of the clinicians were also acknowledged with loud applause for ultimately being “the source of strength and high spirit” in gauging the challenging dental medicine.
De Leon did not also miss to flex the adulated faculty members whom he referred to as the “real engine” and the “real source of wisdom” of the college.
On a wise note, the prudent dean advocated for the newly admitted clinicians to welcome mistakes as they formally enter the field, reiterating that constant preparation for the duty is a must.
“From then on, make every case a chance for you to improve and improve and improve and be better than you were before,” De Leon passionately averred.
The decisive academic leader went on to validating the heart and hand of new clinicians as they take on future cases materializing their acquired clinical expertise, a compelling execution of OLFU’s academic pursuit.
“It doesn’t stop here, it is just a start. It is just a start that will give way to the frame of excellence and compassion, in improving man as man,” De Leon concluded. — Raymond Lumagsao
