Centro Escolar University (CEU) School of Dentistry is commemorating a century of nurturing dental professionals and contributing to dental medicine, marking its centennial with a year-long celebration.
The commemoration officially began 28 February with the theme "10 Dekadang Kahusayan: Pagdiriwang ng Kalidad ng Edukasyon sa Dentistriya." The opening event featured a red carpet procession, a doxology and the national anthem.
CEU president Emeritus Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina delivered opening remarks, recognizing the institution's legacy. Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) chairperson Charito A. Zamora delivered an inspirational message. Dr. Mary Iodine S. Lacanienta, dean of the School of Dentistry, officially opened the centennial celebration.
A series of activities has been organized throughout the year. Highlights included a 4 March dialogue with the Board of Dentistry, where graduating students received briefings on licensure exam requirements; an 5 April prosthodontics seminar titled "Innovation and Challenges in Modern Prosthodontics"; and a Centennial Golf Tournament on 20 May at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Batangas, organized by the School of Dentistry Faculty Club.
In July, the university will launch "A Hundred Trees for A Hundred Years," a tree planting initiative in Angeles City. 9 August marks "Perio Day," focusing on the link between oral and systemic health, followed by "Ortho Day" on 17 September.
The festivities will conclude in November with a culminating event at the Manila Hotel, honoring 100 successful CEU Dentistry graduates. Organized by the CEU Dental Alumni Chapter (CEUDAC), the event will recognize alumni who have achieved distinction in academia, research, hospital practice, various organizations, government dental practice, military service, entertainment and politics.
Since its founding in 1925, CEU Dentistry has established itself as a premier institution for dental education, combining rigorous academic instruction with hands-on clinical training. It has consistently produced graduates who have become leading dentists, educators and industry pioneers.
The school's strong track record in the Dentist Licensure Examination, with consistent topnotchers over the years, underscores its commitment to excellence. Its program combines strong theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on training led by highly qualified faculty members.
CEU alumni have excelled locally and globally as leaders in military services, professional organizations, politics, government services, business and academia as deans and faculty members of various dental schools.
CEU Dentistry has received the First Highest Level of Accreditation, Level IV, Reaccredited Status from PACUCOA, and was the first to earn the ASEAN University Network (AUN) Quality Assurance certification, reaffirming its commitment to world-class dental education.
As an esteemed member of the South-East Asia Association for Dental Education (SEAADE), CEU holds the distinction of being the first dental school in Southeast Asia to undergo a peer review by SEAADE. This highlights the institution's continuous efforts to improve its curriculum, enhance faculty development and upgrade its facilities to ensure the highest standards of dental education.
The institution remains committed to its mission of developing competent, ethical and globally competitive professionals as it enters its next century. With a legacy built on quality education and professional integrity, Centro Escolar University continues to shape the future of dental medicine in the Philippines and beyond.