Congratulations Ms. Dara Denise Yumul and Ms. Klarisse L. Antonio for winning 2nd and 1st Place in the Best Occlusal Anatomy Competition during the BRIDGE Global Student Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand held last July 30 to August 2, 2025. Our four student delegates also placed first in the Endodontic Quiz.
- From your proud UPCD Family!
BRIDGE Program: A Global Dental Student Exchange
Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand July 30, 2025 to August 2, 2025
Four dental students from the College of Dentistry, University of the Philippines Manila were able to attend the program, namely Klarisse L. Antonio, Nicole Angela N. Comaling, Ma. Carmelita G. Ordoñez, and Dara Denise M. Yumul. They were also joined by four other dental students from University of the East Manila and four other dental students from the Iloilo Doctors College, a total of 12 dental students representing the Philippines. There were 26 other dental professionals and students from seven different universities hailing from five other countries who also participated in the program. These partner institutions from other countries were namely: Yonsei University from South Korea, Showa Medical University from Japan, University of Washington from United States of America, Peking University from China, and Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, Universitas Padjadjaran, and Universitas Hasanuddin from Indonesia.
The exchange program was a four-day event wherein the first and second day involved interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and a tour around the Faculty of Dentistry in Chulalongkorn University. The third and fourth day consisted of cultural excursions in the ancient city of Ayutthaya and in the heart of Bangkok. Furthermore, cultural exchange and networking events were done through the Farewell Party and Closing Ceremony.
To officially start the program, Associate Dean for International Affairs Corporate Communication and Social Activities, Assoc. Prof. Lt. Rangsima Sakoolnamarka and Dean of Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Pornchai Jansisyanont, delivered their short messages during the opening ceremony. They both welcomed the delegates of the student exchange program and gave a short but informative introduction about the dentistry course in Chulalongkorn University. It was then followed by several short ice breaker activities hosted by the program’s student facilitators wherein the delegates played numerous games to get acquainted with each other.
On the first day (July 30, Wednesday), a short lecture was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Sirawut Hiran-us from the Department of Operative Dentistry, Assistant Dean for Strategic Research and Innovation. He discussed the Role of Endodontics in the Life Cycle of the Teeth and also introduced the use of other methods other than root canal treatment prior to extraction of a tooth. He discussed the indications and differences of vital and non-vital pulp therapy, as well as compared success rates of the several methods such as selective caries removal, indirect pulp capping, and stepwise excavation. He also introduced the concept and indications of intentional replantation and autotransplantation, the use of regenerated endodontics and apexification, as well as the uprising trend of using super bonds. After the lecture proper, a short quiz among the 10 participating schools was conducted. The University of the Philippines Manila took the winning spot and won a prize from Assoc. Prof. Sirawut Hiran-us himself.
After lunch, the delegates transferred to another floor and entered one of the laboratories for the workshop on Occlusal Anatomy Wax Carving Workshop of tooth 26 (left maxillary first molar) in the afternoon. The faculty will then go through all the wax carvings and choose three (3) students with the best works. The chosen students were to be awarded during the Closing Ceremony night on the fourth day.
On the second day (July 31, Thursday), the delegates toured Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Dentistry. They were divided into groups and guided through various buildings of the campus. The delegates visited Chulalongkorn University’s Dental Museum, which showcases the history of dentistry in Thailand and at the University. They also visited the Museum of the Human Body, where the university used the method of plastination to preserve cadavers and display them at the museum to appreciate the intricate anatomy of the human body. Secondly, they toured Chulalongkorn University’s Dental Clinics and Laboratories, where they were shown the clinical and laboratory setup for undergraduate clinicians. They also toured the Dental Technician Laboratory and were shown wax patterns ready for processing, facial prosthetics, as well as 3D printed designs and models.
Afterwards, the students proceeded to another lecture hall for a lecture on Orthognathic Surgery delivered by Assist. Prof. Vorapat Trachoo from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Assist. Prof. Thanit Charoenrat from the Department of Orthodontics. They discussed the role of digital technologies in modernizing orthognathic surgery. Once the lecture concluded, the students were escorted back to the Boromanathsrinagarindra Building, where the dental laboratories are located. Lastly, they visited the Museum of the Human Body, where real human bodies are preserved through plastination.
The second day ended with a Class II Resin Composite Restoration Workshop, during which students learned about the importance of using rubber dams, the proper application of resin composites, appropriate composite selection, correct use of sectional matrices and wedges, and the necessary armamentarium. The workshop was led by Assist. Prof. Yanee Tantilertanant from the Department of Operative Dentistry, who demonstrated a step-to-step guide on the increment filling of resin composite for a Class II lesion.
On the third day (August 1, Friday), the program marked the beginning of the cultural excursion. The student delegates visited Thailand’s old capital city, Ayutthaya. In the morning, a dessert-making workshop was conducted, led by Praset “Ajarn Puek” Janyachart, where the making of the traditional Thai dessert called “Cha Mongkut” was taught at Ruean Kanom Thai Klaiwan. They also visited a small museum about traditional Thai desserts.
In the afternoon, the students toured significant historical sites around Ayutthaya. These included the Ayutthaya Historical Park, where Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet can be found.
On the fourth day (August 2, Saturday), the city of Bangkok was toured. The excursion began at Wat Arun, where students were allowed to explore the entirety of the temple. The student delegates were accompanied by Chulalongkorn University dental student facilitators, who provided historical context for the sites visited. Afterwards, the group toured Museum Siam. Standing three floors tall, the museum houses exhibits on the culture and history of Thailand. In
the afternoon, the students visited Wat Pho, home of the reclining Buddha. Following this, they enjoyed a scenic drive showcasing various Thai landmarks, including Sanam Luang, the Giant Swing, and Wat Saket. The day concluded with the students returning to the hotel to prepare for the farewell party scheduled for the evening.
The farewell party was held at the Chulalongkorn Dental Faculty Building at 6:30 P.M. As guests arrived, they were welcomed by lively intermission numbers from Chulalongkorn University dental students, who serenaded the audience while participants enjoyed their dinner.
Following the meal, the atmosphere turned playful with an engaging game that divided attendees either by table or nationality. The game was like reverse charades where one member guessed the word while the rest acted it out, sparking bursts of laughter and friendly rivalry. The entertainment continued with cultural performances by participants from various nationalities, each showcasing their unique traditions and creativity. The Koreans, Filipinos, and
Japanese, sang popular songs from their own countries while the Thais and Indonesians performed their zumba and encouraged all of the participants to join them. All of the fun was followed by heartfelt closing remarks from Assoc. Prof. Lt. Rangsima Sakoolnamarka, thanking all participants and organizers for their contributions to the program’s success.
The evening then shifted to the most awaited awarding of the Best Occlusal Anatomy Competition where the 2nd and 1st place went to Dara Denise M. Yumul and Klarisse L. Antonio, respectively, from the University of the Philippines Manila.
Certificates were then awarded to the participants by school. As the evening drew to a close, each participant received a card and envelope to exchange heartfelt messages. Laughter and chatter filled the room as students swapped Instagram accounts, posed for photos, and exchanged gifts and snacks, ending the night with warm goodbyes and promises to keep in touch.
The UP College of Dentistry has a very active MOU with the Faculty of Dentistry Chulalongkorn University since 2023.
- Written by Ms. Klarisse Antonio, Ms. Dara Denise Yumul, Ms. Carmi Ordonez and Ms. Nicole Comaling
SDG 3,4,17
#University of the Philippines Manila
#UP Manila Office of International and Local Linkages
