UPCD Clinicians Fly the Philippine Flag High at Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, India
From July 24 to August 6, 2025, three senior clinicians from the UP College of Dentistry (UPCD): Eisen Gabriel P. Francisco, Lanz Ethan L. Galvan, and Karl Allen L. Malibiran accompanied by Dr. Arnon L. Rivera, participated in the International Student Externship Program at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) in Chennai, India, which is currently ranked number 26th in the world and number one in India for dentistry. This marked a milestone for the college as they were the first Filipino dental students to take part in the program, which was made possible through UPCD’s Memorandum of Understanding with the university.
The externship gathered undergraduate and postgraduate participants from several institutions across Asia, including the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka), University of Sumatera Utara (Indonesia), Cantho University (Vietnam), and postgraduate residents in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from Kathmandu University (Nepal), fostering international collaboration and exchange in dental education.
At the heart of this experience was Saveetha University itself. With its digital dentistry workflow, world-class facilities, and expertise in prosthodontics, oral surgery, and implantology, Saveetha set the stage for an intensive program designed to highlight a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to oral health.
The Filipino delegates were warmly welcomed by Dr. Sruthi P, Head of Saveetha Clinics, who introduced them to the expansive campus: from the main clinic complex and the basic sciences building to the oral and maxillofacial surgery center housing lecture halls and operating theaters. Here, they witnessed Saveetha’s unique “combo clinic” system, a seamless network of undergraduate, postgraduate, and faculty-run prime clinics that efficiently serve thousands of patients daily, regardless of case difficulty or socioeconomic status. Complementing this was an impressive Digital Patient Management System, where records and treatment notes flowed across departments, enabling smooth coordination and timely referrals.
As the days progressed, the externship unfolded into a whirlwind of clinical rotations and immersive workshops. A hands-on rotary endodontics workshop headed by Dr. Manish Ranjan, Head of the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics alongside Dr. Sarita Bhandari, gave the clinicians the chance to work alongside licensed dentists and postgraduate students, mastering principles of diagnosis, rubber dam application, and rotary instrumentation. At the Pediatric Dentistry clinic, they saw how children were treated with compassion through behavioral management, sedation, and even general anesthesia when necessary. Here, the delegates were able to observe cases ranging from apexification to conscious sedation. A casual but enriching discussion with Dr. G Deepa Gurunathan, head of the department, meanwhile, offered her deep insights into pediatric practice in India.
In the postgraduate orthodontics clinic, the students observed complex procedures and participated in discussions on procedures such as canine impaction management, strap-up cases, and the use of Temporary Anchorage Devices, all enhanced by digital planning. Conversely, their stint in oral pathology brought them into intimate case discussions on biopsy protocols and exposure to macroscopic models of diverse oral pathologies. Rotations in oral medicine, on the other hand, revealed a broader practice compared to the Philippines, encompassing not only diagnostics but also treatment of medically compromised patients and those with cancer or special needs. Meanwhile, the periodontology department provided an opportunity for the students to see advanced techniques such as bone grafting, surgical periodontal therapy, and even the use of lasers- tools that remain uncommon in Filipino dental training.
Every discipline, indeed, unveiled new learnings. In the esthetic dentistry rotation, the delegates were given a chance to see and practice on advanced documentation tools and restorative techniques, which underscore the precision required in enhancing smiles. Meanwhile, their rotation in Endodontics emphasized efficiency through digital radiography and the use of microscopes in nearly every chair. The oral surgery rotation was nothing short of eye-opening: housed in its own hospital, Saveetha allowed the students to witness cleft palate repairs, trauma surgeries, and comprehensive reconstructive cases led by dentists in collaboration with anesthesiologists ,procedures which are often inaccessible to undergraduate training in the Philippines. Exposure extended even to assisting postgraduate surgeons, deepening their appreciation for surgical disciplines.
Equally striking was the training in prosthodontics and implantology. With access to the Occlusion Center, CAD-CAM technology, and in-house dental technology programs, Saveetha provided a glimpse into a future where digital workflows define prosthetic rehabilitation. The Philippine delegates traced the process from intraoral scanning to crown delivery, observing materials such as zirconia being routinely used. At the Saveetha Academy of Implant Dentistry, they learned that the institution performs over 2,500 implant cases annually — accessible to patients at costs as low as ₱2,500. Undergraduates themselves were already immersed in implantology, a rare opportunity in most dental schools worldwide.
Beyond clinical immersion, the externship also provided a celebration of culture. On August 6, during the Cultural Extravaganza and Certificate Ceremony graced by Mr. Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, Consulate General of Malaysia South India in Chennai; Mrs. Harsha Raparathne, Acting Deputy High Commissioner Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission Chennai; Dr. M. KulaSegaran, Deputy Minister for Malaysia’s Ministry of Law and Institutional Reforms; and Saveetha’s Chancellor Dr. N.M. Veerayan, the UPCD delegates proudly donned their Barong Tagalog and performed the Tinikling, the Philippines’ national dance. Their performance, met with enthusiastic applause, was a moment of pride as it was a chance to showcase the richness of Filipino heritage before an international audience.
Outside the university walls, the delegates immersed themselves in the warmth of Indian hospitality. Friends and colleagues guided them through the bustling city of Chennai, introduced them to flavorful South Indian cuisine, and ensured they felt at home thousands of kilometers away. Cultural explorations added color to their stay: from the Dakshina Chitra Museum, which presented the art and architecture of South India, to the shores of Marina Beach, the heritage of Mahabalipuram, and the colonial charm of Pondicherry. As the externship drew to a close, the students carried home not only the advanced dental knowledge they gained but also the friendships, experiences, and cultural exchanges that made their journey unforgettable.
The UPCD delegates extend their heartfelt gratitude to Saveetha University, especially Dr. Lakshmi Thangavelu (Dean of International Affairs), Dr. Sruthi P (Head of Clinics), and the faculty, for their generosity and guidance throughout the program. Likewise, they thank Dr. Michelle Segarra, Dean of the UP College of Dentistry, and the UPCD administration for their support and for entrusting them with the honor of representing the Philippines on the international stage.
The externship provided the delegates with valuable exposure to advanced clinical practices, innovative technologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to dental care. Beyond enhancing their academic and clinical competencies, the program also fostered collaboration and exchange among students from different countries. The knowledge and insights gained from this experience will contribute to their growth as future dental professionals and, ultimately, to the advancement of dental education and practice in the Philippines.
SDG #3,4,17
#University of the Philippines Manila
