The American Civil Government

          In 1901, the Philippines has seen the organization of the Philippine Constabulary (PC), Brigadier General Henry Allen (Capt-Gov.US) who later became the chief PC.However, the dental service was not given due importance then, thus, no provision was made for its development. Nevertheless in 1915, history witnessed the passage of a measure creating the Dental Division, Medical Service, PC. The decision was made due to the alarming leave of absences, pass-outs, and non-productive manhours of personnel affected by dento-oral diseases and dental caries resulting to waste in government resources. A year after, in 1916, the Philippines saw the actual birth of the PC Dental Service. Luciano Ferraren(serojano-ministrate and registered dentist) was commissioned 2nd Lt..,and dental surgeon at the PC headquarters in Manila. The dental service then was so blatantly wanting, because, Manila is too far way for the dental cases to go to for treatment; hence, the serviceman and their family in the provinces relied too much on private practitioners. Then, in 1918, the PC Dental Service has seen the growth of the service, when five (5) more dentists and pro-dentists were commissioned, adding up the roster of dental officers to serve 3,000 soldiers. Nine (9) years later, in 1927, the PC tested its first reorganization. This led to the creation of eight (8) dental districts in the entire archipelago.It was deemed necessary to address the needs of the dental field service in the district and provinces.Dental field services were then very difficult considering the hazards met by the dental teams. They traveled by bancas, boats, trucks, and oftentimes on foot only having hired hands to carry their equipment. In 1935. the PC had its second reorganization, whereby more dentists were absored through competitive examination, and then they were integrated in to regular dental force. A year later, in 1936, the PA was established as per Philippine Commonwealth Act, No.1.The PC then was mde into a separate division, under the new organization. Campsites were established throughout the archipelago, cadre structures were put-up;cantonment areas were developed; and then a dental corps was organized. Then, in 1938, the Armed Forces created more departments, but the PC was placed under the Department of Interior. The number of dentists increased to meet the dental health needs of the time.

World War II

          Three (3) years later, on December 8, 1941, World War II broke out and the Japanese Imperial Army invaded the Philippines. The USAFFE fought relentlessly but lost in the monumental battle of historic Bataan and Corregidor. Battered infantry division of officers and men including dental officers were made captives and driven into concentration camps. This time though weak and physically our soldiers were still in high spirits. However, in 1945, the dental service sprang up new hope through the inspirational leadership of the late president Manuel Quezon and the advisorship of the late Gen Douglas McArthur, skills and competencies training on dental service were conducted, after which a competitive examination was administered. Out of the 3,000 examinees, only 107 passed, who qualified and were commissioned 2nd Lt. in the same year. The Resistance and the Underground Movement The days of the trials and tribulation came when the Dental Service sacrificed a number of its able officers and men in search for democracy. Capt Salvador Ocampo, Lt. Sapinosa, Angel Gonzales and Jose Domiguez were among those who sacrificed their lives.

Liberation

          In 1946, the PA and the Dental Corps were reorganized.Major Agustin Zarate, Generoso Ong, Antonio Santos, Clifford Hawkins and Capt Venancio Santos, dental officers were sent to the United States for an on-the-job training to become adept to the new concepts in the dental health care. These officers were followed by other groups. Five (5) years later in 1950, the Dental Corps suffered a reduction in work force due to deaths and retirements, thus no other alternative was on hand but to integrate reserve officers into the regular force upon passing a given examination.Dental officers were exposed to actual combat when the Filipino (PEPTOK) were sent to Korea. Independent Technical Service However, in 1954 by virtue of RA No. 481, the Dental Corps was given its autonomy which led to a stronger force to administer and implement its dental service operations. This move induced the passage of RA No 1128 creating a separate dental service entity in the AFP.It was then headed by the late Colonel Miguel R Fernandez. The steaming was to effect a more efficient service delivery, hence, a series of staff development activities were undertaken and an AFP Dental Training Center at Fort Bonifacio was established. From 1954 to date, the Dental Service sustained and maintained its identity as one separate entity under the AFP. And that it has more service workers to respond to the expanding dental health needs of our soldiers and civilians who are under the responsibility of the AFP is a fact.