Innovation in Dental Education: A Proposal for a Doctoral Program in the Philippines

The absence of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Dental Education in the Philippines has led dental professionals to pursue general PhD in Education programs, resulting in a misalignment between advanced academic training and the specific competencies required in dentistry, including clinical integration, research development, leadership, and educational governance. This gap has become increasingly significant in light of technological advancements, expanded public health responsibilities, and global academic standards, ultimately limiting research capacity, academic leadership, and policy engagement within the profession. This study aimed to examine the need, feasibility, and strategic direction for establishing a PhD in Dental Education in the Philippines. A mixed-methods design was employed, involving a quantitative survey of 80 stakeholders from the dental industry and qualitative interviews with 15 dental professionals, educators, and practitioners. Quantitative data were subjected to statistical analysis, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis, with triangulation applied to ensure alignment and validity of findings. Results demonstrated strong support for the proposed program, particularly among those with advanced academic training, and identified critical gaps in research literacy, faculty development, academic leadership preparation, public health integration, and digital readiness. The findings further emphasized the importance of aligning the proposed curriculum with institutional and regulatory standards set by PRC, CHED, and PQF. The study concluded that a PhD in Dental Education in the Philippines is both necessary and feasible, recommending a policy-aligned, research-intensive, and flexible doctoral framework to strengthen dental education, enhance institutional capacity, and support national and global oral health goals.

academic leadership, Dental Education, Doctoral Program

1. Becker, G. S. (1964). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis, with special reference to education. University of Chicago Press. https://www.nber.org/system/files/chapters/c3730/c3730.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Bertalanffy, L. von. (1968). General system theory: Foundations, development, applications. George Braziller.https://monoskop.org/images/7/77/Von_Bertalanffy_Ludwig_General_System_Theory_1968.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Cruess, R. L., Cruess, S. R., & Steinert, Y. (2014). Teaching medical professionalism: Supporting thedevelopment of a professional identity. Cambridge University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman Publishing. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Davis, C. A., Essex, G., & Rowe, D. J. (2016). Perceptions and attitudes of dental hygiene educators about the establishment of doctoral education programs in dental hygiene. Journal of Dental Hygiene, 90(6), 335–342. https://jdh.adha.org/content/90/6/335 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Liamputtong, P., & Ezzy, D. (2005). Qualitative research methods (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Gurenlian, J. R., & Spolarich, A. E. (2013). Doctoral preparation and its contribution to scholarship and leadership in dental education. Journal of Dental Hygiene, 87(6), 345–352. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Dalanon, J., & Matsuka, Y. (2019). The evolution of dental education in the Philippines. Health Professions Education, 5(3), 172–176. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED585484.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. American Dental Education Association. (2011). ADEA competencies for the new general dentist (asapproved by the 2008 ADEA House of Delegates). Journal of Dental Education, 75(7), 932–935. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Zitzmann, N. U., Matthisson, L., Ohla, H., & Joda, T. (2020). Digital undergraduate education in dentistry: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,17(9), 3269. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093269 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Giddon, D. B., & Lamster, I. B. (2022). The dilemma of different dental degrees: DDS and DMD. Journal of Dental Education, 86(8), 998–1005. https://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.12921 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Gelbier, S. (2005). 125 years of developments in dentistry, 1880–2005: Part 5—Dental education, training, and qualifications. British Dental Journal, 199, 685–689. https://www.nature.com/articles/4813002 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Cheng, F.-C., Lo, C.-H., & Chiang, C.-P. (2025). The ten innovative events in a century of the development of Taiwan dental history. Journal of Dental Sciences, 20(2), 1286–1289. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1991790224004574 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Baltazar, W. (2023, May 7). A review of the Philippine Qualifications Framework. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/7/a-review-of-the-philippine-qualifications-framework [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Assessment of the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Repositioning TVET for Economic Development in Nigeria
• Teachers’ Use of Assure Model Instructional Design on Learners’ Problem Solving Efficacy in Secondary Schools in Bungoma County, Kenya
• “E-Booksan Ang Kaalaman”: Development, Validation, and Utilization of Electronic Book in Academic Performance of Grade 9 Students in Social Studies
• Analyzing EFL University Students’ Academic Speaking Skills Through Self-Recorded Video Presentation
• Major Findings of The Study on Total Quality Management in Teachers’ Education Institutions (TEIs) In Assam – An Evaluative Study