After a notable 36-year career in academia, Dr. Danilo L. Magtanong retired on October 7, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in dental education, prosthodontics, and forensic odontology. He served as the Dean of the College of Dentistry at the University of the Philippines Manila from July 2016 to July 2022. His impact on the field and his students is unquestionable.
He has been awarded a lifetime achievement award at the 15th IASR International Conference on Forensic Science for his outstanding contributions that helped in shaping the future of dentistry in the Philippines and for his influence that is not limited to that of academia but extends to the broader global dental and forensic communities.
A Lifelong Dedication to Education and Prosthodontics
Dr. Magtanong's journey in dentistry began in 1986 when he graduated from the University of the Philippines Manila with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM). He gained an immediate recognition because of his exceptional talent and dedication, and he was recruited as a faculty member in the Section of Prosthodontics right after graduation. It all began with his passion for prosthodontics that quickly evolved into a lifetime commitment to advancing dental education and the health professions in general.
In 2004, Dr. Magtanong earned a Master’s degree in Health Profession Education (MHPEd) from the National Teachers Training Center for the Health Professions (NTTCHP) at UP Manila. His extreme dedication to enhancing education within the health professions was evident throughout his career. He constantly devised ways to innovate and advance teaching methodologies for future dental practitioners.
Expertise Beyond Borders: International Training and Contributions
Dr. Magtanong's commitment to advancing his expertise led him to South Korea in 2010, where he completed a specialized dental implant training program. This specialization increased his proficiency in prosthodontics manifolds and equipped him with skills to integrate innovative techniques into his teaching and practice.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Magtanong's work has had an international reach. He has been a member of various prestigious professional organizations, including the International Association of Forensic Science and the Asian Association of Prosthodontics (AAP), of which he is a lifetime member. He has influenced people across borders and has gained recognition as a key figure in both prosthodontics and forensic odontology on a global scale.
Leadership in the Philippine Prosthodontic Society
Dr. Magtanong's expertise was also recognized through his leadership within the Philippine Prosthodontic Society (PPS), where he served as President from 2019 to 2021. This role not only highlighted his mastery of prosthodontics but also his ability to inspire and guide the next generation of dental professionals.
As a Fellow of the PPS accredited by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines, Dr. Magtanong played a crucial role in setting the standards for prosthodontics practice in the country. He is also a member of the Philippine Board of Prosthodontics (PBOP), continuously working to raise the standards of dental care and education in the Philippines.
Forensic Odontology: Bridging Dentistry and Criminal Justice
Dr. Magtanong’s contributions were not limited to prosthodontics. His work involved applying dental science techniques to criminal investigations, thereby identifying individuals based on dental records and providing crucial insights in forensic cases. He worked to bring together dentistry and forensic science and highlighted the broad applications of the dental domain in various fields as a member of the International Association of Forensic Science.
Scholarly Contributions and Public Engagement
Dr. Magtanong’s academic career is marked by a wealth of scholarly works in the areas of prosthodontics, health professions education, and forensic odontology. His research and training manuals have been published both locally and internationally and act as a rich source of knowledge for students, practitioners, and educators alike. These contributions show his deep commitment to not only keep updating his knowledge as per current trends but also share it with the global dental community.
In addition to the academics, he was frequently invited to share his knowledge at seminars and conventions across the Philippines and abroad. He has delivered lectures on topics such as prosthodontics, forensic odontology, and health professions education, showcasing his expertise as a consultant and thought leader in these fields. His expertise has also extended to public awareness programs, particularly on the subject of dentures and denture wearing. He educated the general public on the importance of oral health and the role of prosthodontics in improving quality of life for individuals who use dentures through radio and television interviews.
A Lasting Legacy
As Dr. Danilo L. Magtanong transitions into retirement, his legacy in the field of dentistry remains firmly intact. His work as a professor, dean, and leader within the prosthodontics community has left an indelible mark on the University of the Philippines Manila and the broader dental profession. He was deeply committed to education and made all possible efforts to uplift both prosthodontics and forensic dentistry for generations to come.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Magtanong’s dedication to public engagement and awareness resulted in bringing forth the important dental health issues, thereby helping in improving the lives of countless individuals in the Philippines and beyond. His ability to combine his deep scientific knowledge with a commitment to practical application and public service sets him apart as a true pioneer in the field. Dr. Magtanong’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his contributions to dental education, prosthodontics, and forensic odontology have inspired countless students, educators, and professionals and will continue to inspire future generations for long time to come.
Dr. Ranjeet Singh, along with IASR, Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science, Clue4Evidence Forensic Lab, and the entire organizing committee, wishes Dr. Danilo L. Magtanong on his wonderful contribution to the forensic odontology field and looks forward to more learning together with his expertise.