Southwestern University PHINMA Native Excels in National Dentistry Licensure Exam

The recently concluded National Dentistry Licensure Examination yielded SWU PHINMA native, Dr. Marian Ave Loquellano Ibon at the top 5 spot amongst over 700 successful hopefuls. Dr. Ibon is also the sole topnotcher from Visayas.

A Southwestern University PHINMA student since Grade 1 and daughter of two doctors who are also a product of SWU PHINMA, Dr. Ibon scored a total grade of 82.50 in the written and practical phases of the examination. “I ran to my dad while my hands were shaking. I let my brother check my name three times if that was really me or just someone with the same name. ”, says Dr. Ibon after seeing the results. “Everything was surreal. It didn’t sink in right away. I didn’t know what to feel but happy and all praises to the Lord.”

The Dentistry Licensure Exam is a two-pronged exam period that covers theoretical (written) and practical tests. The written exam was held on November 28-30, while the practical test ran from December 18 to 21.

A handful of first takers, including Dr. Ibon, nailed the examinations. 93.88{a21e6da08482d397a607007d7d78265068006afe8b45ef39eb0952d5fa730076} of first takers passed the written phase of the exam while an astounding 95.65{a21e6da08482d397a607007d7d78265068006afe8b45ef39eb0952d5fa730076} made the grade in the exam’s practical phase.

Dr. Gatieh Nacario, SWU PHINMA’s Vice-President for Academics expressed delight in the recent development. “We are very happy to see that one of our own not only passed but excelled in the examination. Dr. Ibon has showed nothing but diligence in her studies from grade 1 to the present. And that’s something we always try to cultivate—grit”, said Dr. Nacario. Dr. Ibon’s top spot is reflective of Southwestern University PHINMA’s continuous effort in helping students become the best that they can be.

With this goal in mind and banking on the University’s academic quality, especially in its medical fields, Southwestern University PHINMA also rolled out 100{a21e6da08482d397a607007d7d78265068006afe8b45ef39eb0952d5fa730076} scholarship grants to capable grade 12 students who wish to pursue numerous medical programs. For Online applications visit swu.edu.ph/scholarships. (PR)