Message of the Chairman

The past few months have been challenging to say the least.  The Corona virus pandemic has brought dental practice to a halt. It will bring significant changes to how we practice dentistry in general and pediatric dentistry in particular. While we try to navigate these uncertainties, the PPDSI has worked hard to come up with recommendations and guidelines based on available knowledge to help us return to our practices safely and to keep our patients safe also. The Board is abreast with these significant changes and we encourage everyone to study the recommendations and to apply them in our offices.

While we are all busy with concerns with our families, our general well being and the time we have spent away from our practices may we find a silver lining that allows us to reassess and re-evaluate how we can improve our practices in light of the "new normal". Candidates in the examination process can also hopefully use this time to review their patient cases and find the best ones to fulfill their requirements for the case presentation. For specialists planning to apply, this time may be opportune to prepare yourselves and to review for the written examinations.

We hope that we can administer the QWE in February 2021 in a brick and mortar venue. However, given the uncertainties we face, the Board will explore other test delivery options for the 2021 QWE if necessary.

On behalf of the board, I wish you and your loved ones safety and good health.

Maria Rosario Ramirez-Eala, DMD

Chairman, Philippine Board of Pediatric Dentistry