 Dr. Dingde la Pena graduated from Centro Escolar University in Manila in 1992 with a Degree in Dental Medicine. Dividing his college days between the army and dentistry, he prioritized his tasks to achieve a well rounded mental and physical education. He recognized the advantage of fusing the fundamentals of clinical dentistry and leadership. A constant honor student during his elementary and high school days, Dr. de la Pena was the recipient of multiple art, academic and leadership awards. In college, he was a member of the Honor Society, and rose from the cadet ranks to be Corps Adjutant of the San Beda Lions Corps. This also entitled him a scholarship through the ROTC Program.He believed that leadership is synonymous with management and further comments: I am grateful for the military for giving me an all-expense-paid training on discipline, courtesy and practice management... who else could teach that better than a barking drill sergeant? Never having to take the two National and two State Board Exams more than once, he finally received his license to practice dentistry in California in 1996. In order to renew their licenses in California, dentists must undergo 25 hours of continuing education every year or 50 hours every 2 years. Dr. de la Pena, a self-confessed continuing education-aholic; triples or quadruples this requirement. His patients are the main beneficiaries from all these. He often receives negative comments from peers for acquiring pricey equipment for a moderate practice. First of all, I don't want and don't need a huge practice. Not only does it take away the personal touch, it also reduces everything to figures and numbers. A dental factory obsessed with production is something I can live without. Second, dentistry in itself is a demanding profession. If something meets my 3 criterias for a new equipment (faster, easier, better) then it's in my shopping list. Dr. D has delivered lectures on general dentistry to students of his alma mater, Centro Escolar University and various Philippine Dental Association Chapters. He believes that sharing knowledge, experience and technological advancement is as important as providing excellent clinical care.Gendermale
|
