CA+inD Winter Short-term Exchange Program Tohoku University, Sendai Japan

UPCD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
February 2-13, 2026
CA+inD Winter Short-term Exchange Program
Tohoku University, Sendai Japan

The University of the Philippines College of Dentistry (UPCD) participated in the CA+inD Winter Short-term Exchange Program at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan, held from February 2 to 13, 2026. Representing UPCD were 5th year dental students Audrey Dennise M. Arriola, Gene Paolo M. Bathan, and Jude Lian Nicole M. Pineda. Notably, in the five years that the program has been running, this marks the first time that delegates from the Philippines have participated, joining students from countries such as South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Mongolia, and others. Implemented under the CAMPUS Asia Plus Program of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), the exchange brought together 33 students from 12 universities across 7 countries and regions. Designed to nurture multimodal global leaders, the two-week program featured lectures, hands-on dental workshops, and collaborative learning activities led by faculty members of Tohoku University, broadening participants’ academic and cultural perspectives.

As part of the program, participants engaged in fieldwork and institutional visits, including a trip to Minamisanriku, a town significantly affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Activities included a special lecture by a local dental professional and exposure to community-based healthcare practices, highlighting the role of dentistry in disaster response and recovery. Participants also toured key sites to better understand the region’s rehabilitation efforts and the integration of healthcare in community rebuilding. Cultural exchange activities, such as traditional Japanese workshops and interactions with local and international students, further enriched the experience and strengthened cross-cultural understanding.

Moreover, Mr. Bathan was one of only two participants selected from the entire cohort to join the Digital Workflow in Restorative Course, held from February 16 to 20 as an extension of the program. This additional training focused on contemporary restorative techniques and digital applications in dentistry, further enhancing clinical competencies and technical proficiency. Overall, the exchange served as a valuable platform for academic enrichment, professional growth, and international collaboration.

by Ms. June Lian Pineda, Ms. Audrey Arriola and Mr. Gene Bathan

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