100 years of Philippine Dentistry (1903- 2003): Personal Memorabilia of Dr. Gregorio Y. Rodriguez, DMD, FICD - DENTAL BOARD TOPNOTCHER, BOARD OF DENTAL EXAMINER & CLINICAL FELLOW of EASTMAN DENTAL DISPENSARY & DEPT.OF DENTISTRY & DENTAL RESEARCH- University of Rochester, NEW YORK

In the June 1950 Dental Board Examinations, my uncle Dr. Gregorio Y. Rodriguez was the First Placer. He was the first native born and resident of the province of Pampanga to top the Dental Licensure Examinations.

This is the front page news that came out in the Afternoon Edition of The Manila Times, "THE DAILY MIRROR" on October 10,1950. CODS - College of Oral & Dental Surgery was one of the Dental Colleges opened before the Second World War (founded in 1933). It was situated at 1740 Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila with Annex Bldg in 1950 at 1858 Oroquita St. Sta.Cruz, Manila. The said college was closed in 1960.

Dr. Gregorio Y. Rodriguez: A Trailblazer in Philippine Dentistry

In the history of Philippine dentistry, Dr. Gregorio Y. Rodriguez stands out as a trailblazer, being the First Native-born and Resident of the Province of Pampanga to top the Dental Licensure Examinations. His remarkable achievement in the June 1950 Dental Board Examinations paved the way for future generations of dentists from the province to excel in their field.

His groundbreaking achievement in the June 1950 Dental Board Examinations not only brought pride to his family but also served as an inspiration for aspiring dentists from Pampanga and other parts of the Philippines. As the first native-born and resident of the province to top the Dental Licensure Examinations, Dr. Rodriguez set a precedent for future dentists from Pampanga to follow in his footsteps.

Dr. Rodriguez’s success in the examinations can be attributed to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the dental profession. As a native of Pampanga, he was well-acquainted with the unique dental health needs of the people in his province and beyond. This understanding, combined with his strong academic foundation, allowed him to excel in the examinations and become a role model for aspiring dentists in the region.

In conclusion, Dr. Gregorio Y. Rodriguez’s outstanding achievement in the June 1950 Dental Board Examinations marked a significant milestone in the history of Philippine dentistry. As the first native-born and resident of Pampanga to top the Dental Licensure Examinations, he paved the way for future generations of dentists from the province to excel in their field. His dedication, hard work, and commitment to the dental profession serve as an inspiration for aspiring dentists in the Philippines and beyond.

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Graduation Rites held at the UST Conservatory of Music Auditorium on April 16,1950. Dr. Gregorio Rodriguez receives his diploma from Dr. Eladio R. Aldecoa, President and Dean, College of Oral and Dental Surgery.

His First PRC i.d. in year 1950.

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1964-67 PDA Pampanga Chapter President Dr. Leon G. Mallari tendered a testimonial banquet in honor of Dr. Gregorio Y. Rodriguez as a "Member of the Board of Dental Examiners" together with the other Board of Dental Examiners led by Chairman Dr. Alfonso C. Salcedo, members Dr. Feliciano K. Cruz, Dr. Donato R. Dionisio, Sr., and Dr. Feliza Sta. Ana Turla, on March 31, 1966 at the Pampanga Hotel in San Fernando, Pampanga.

This was the first time that the whole membership of the Dental Board were all present in a dental function held outside of metro manila. Incidentally these 5 Honorees were the First Appointees of the Chief Executive to compose the Board of Dental Examiners, with the implementation of a provision of RA4419 or The Philippine Dental Act of 1965, increasing the membership of the Board from the original 3 to 5 active private practitioners of the profession.

Also notable in this affair is that the incumbent mayor in San Fernando at the time, and on his second term was Dr. Jose C. Quiwa, a past president of the Pampanga Chapter, who gave the Welcome Remark and Introduction to the Main Honoree. After the program, social hour followed with the exchanges of pleasantries, dancing and raffle of prizes.

At the back of the Invitation is the list of Pampanga Chapter Officers during that year.

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Dr. Gregorio Rodriguez , Pampanga Chapter President 1962-64, is the First active member of the PDA Pampanga Chapter, to serve as Member of the Board of Dental Examiners (1965-66), now the Board of Dentistry, Professional Regulation Commission.

Appointment was signed by then

President Diosdado Macapagal.

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Dr. GYR in Rochester, NY December 1953 (taken with the Catholic Church as background).

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Dr. Rodriguez’s Time at The University of Rochester

In 1953, Dr. Rodriguez was awarded a scholarship to further his studies at The University of Rochester in New York, United States. He was granted the prestigious “Clinical Fellow” certification in the Department of Dentistry and Dental Research at the Eastman Dental Dispensary, of The School of Medicine and Dentistry.

During his tenure at The University of Rochester, Dr. Rodriguez made significant contributions to the field of dentistry. He was trained in various aspects of dental research, including oral pathology, restorative dentistry, oral radiology, and oral surgery.

Dr. Rodriguez’s work at The University of Rochester earned him the title of “Clinical Fellow,” which was awarded from September 10, 1958, to June 18, 1954. This recognition highlighted his dedication to the field and his commitment to advancing dental science.