UPCD INTERNATIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
July 22 to 25, 2026
Congratulations Mr. Marco Alfonso Rodillo and Mr. Michael Santos for winning 1st and 2nd runner-up in the mini-quiz bee and to Mr. Rodillo for winning 1st runner up in the wax carving competition. You make us proud!
Marco Alfonso A. Rodillo and Michael Anthony S. Santos, fifth-year clinicians from the University of the Philippines Manila, College of Dentistry, attended the Building Relationships for International Development, Growth, and Exchange (BRIDGE) Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 22 to 25, 2026. The four-day program brought together dental students from 11 institutions across seven countries, including South Korea, Nepal, Japan, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with the goal of promoting cross-cultural collaboration, academic enrichment, and international exchange.
The program began with an opening ceremony and ice-breaking activities, where participants were introduced to one another and learned basic Thai phrases. This was followed by the first lecture, “Anterior Esthetics,” delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dusit Nantanapiboon and Dr. Sunporn Namano. The session covered extraoral and intraoral examinations, smile design, and considerations in selecting dental materials. In the afternoon, participants took part in a hands-on workshop on wire bending and splinting. The day concluded with a visit to the CU Book Center and a dinner featuring a variety of Thai dishes at Phrigkiao Bangkok.
The second day focused on cultural immersion and provided participants with an opportunity to experience Thailand's history, traditions, and way of life. The group visited Wat Arun, where they learned about the temple's history and Buddhist beliefs. After lunch at Sook Siam in ICONSIAM, participants explored Museum Siam, which presents various aspects of Thai culture and identity. The day concluded with a visit to Wat Pho, a historic temple complex known for its traditional Thai massage heritage and the renowned Reclining Buddha.
On the third day, participants were given an extensive tour of the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University. The tour included the Operative Dentistry clinic, dental laboratories, the Museum of Dentistry, the Museum of Human Body, and the CU Implant and Esthetic Dentistry Center. During the tour, the participants had the unexpected opportunity to meet former UPCD faculty member, Dr. Ezekiel Majan, who graciously guided the group through the facilities of the CU Implant and Esthetic Dentistry Center and shared his knowledge about the center’s facilities, equipment, and clinical services. This provided the participants with an opportunity to observe the university's facilities and gain further insight into its approach to dental education and clinical practice.
The second academic lecture, “Role of Endodontics in the Life Cycle of the Teeth,” was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Sirawut Hiran-us. The session concluded with an engaging mini quiz bee, where the University of the Philippines Manila secured the first and second runner-up positions. In the afternoon, participants joined a second hands-on workshop focused on anterior crown waxing. The activity challenged students to apply their knowledge of dental anatomy and morphology, with the top three submissions receiving awards.
On the final day, participants experienced another aspect of Thai culture through a traditional dessert-making activity. They prepared several Thai delicacies, including Luk Chup, Phakakrong, Thong Ek, and Saneh Chan. After a final group lunch, the program concluded with a farewell party at the Asia Hotel Bangkok. Participants wore their respective national costumes during the closing ceremony, which featured the awarding of certificates and prizes for the best anterior crown wax-up and best costume. Marco Alfonso Rodillo of the University of the Philippines Manila was awarded first runner-up for the anterior crown wax-up competition and received a corresponding prize. The evening ended with a buffet featuring Thai cuisine, as well as dancing and karaoke among the participants.
More than an academic exchange, the BRIDGE Program provided an opportunity to build meaningful connections with fellow dental students from different countries and to appreciate the similarities and differences in dental education, culture, and traditions. Through the lectures and hands-on workshops, the participants were able to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills, while the cultural activities encouraged greater appreciation of Thailand's heritage and the diverse backgrounds of their fellow participants. The experience served as a valuable opportunity for professional and personal growth and strengthened the importance of collaboration and international exchange in dentistry.
By Marco Antonio A. Rodillo and Michael Anthony S. Santos
#SDG3 #SDG4 #SDG17 #FP4Education for the University #UPManila #HigherEducation
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