Dr. Joanna Bless Tago Yap is a rarity in the dentistry profession in the whole of Visayas region. At 27, her accomplishments are already way beyond her age, a feat that even her contemporaries have not achieved, and even most of her older colleagues had not attained when they were her age.
She has shown great promise right at the outset while on her undergraduate studies for six years as her dexterity and sterling performance were evident, hence conferred a scholarship grant by the university. With her innate virtuosity and natural inclination towards her craft, she breezed through the Dentistry Board Examination, finishing 6th in the entire country, and the only candidate from the Visayas and Mindanao areas who topped the licensure exam, something her family, friends, and professors saw coming right from the get-go. Shortly after completing the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) at Cebu Doctors’ University, she opted to pursue residency training on pediatric dentistry at the Philippine Pediatric Dentistry Center in Quezon City for one year, making her one of only two certified pediatric dentists in Bohol.
Her aspiration for further education was all the more kindled as she wanted to forge ahead and earn a Master’s degree in dentistry with orthodontics as her major study. Without a tinge of reservation in mind, she found herself toiling for another three years in order to complete the program. With her clear-cut nature, she knew she wanted to enroll at the University of the East (UE) in Manila where practical application of knowledge is underscored, coupled with an innovative approach of teaching that would enable her to respond to the demands of the current times. Not to mention that the said institution of higher education maintains a roster of select professors in the dentistry post graduate studies with doctoral degrees and comprehensive trainings abroad under their belt.
In an elite class of multiracial professional dentists, she was the only Filipino and the sole female at that. Regardless, her appointment by her professors as chief resident of the entire orthodontics department was a no-brainer. Such distinction vested her power to examine, scrutinize, and approve all cases assigned to her co-residents before the same could be ratified by the head of the faculty.
All these are not random, but rather part and parcel of what she has envisioned for herself and most importantly for the public. Although she was born to do this, given the fact that she comes from a family of dentists, she deemed it necessary to be fully equipped and prepared for the huge challenge.
The Bohol’s most accomplished dentist is a sought-after professional practitioner among prestigious companies offering her lucrative positions. But unambiguous as she is, she would rather stay true to her long-standing commitment. Currently, she is poised to do just that.
Dr. Joanna Bless Tago Yap is co-owner of the renowned chain of dental clinics in Bohol and Cebu, Yap and Associates Dental Clinic, and the company’s flagship dentist.