23/03/2026
Transforming Vision into Impact: The Leadership of Dean Artemio R. Licos, Jr.
The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) – College of Dentistry formally presents Dr. Artemio R. Licos, Jr., DMD, MPH, DrPH, DPBDPH, as its Dean, a distinguished professional in dental public health with extensive experience in clinical practice, health systems development, research, and academic leadership. Dr. Licos is internationally recognized for his contributions to equitable oral health systems and community-centered dental care.
Dr. Licos obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Baguio in 1993. He subsequently pursued advanced graduate education at the National Institute of Public Health, Wako City, Japan, where he earned his Master of Public Health (Major in International Health) in 2006 and his Doctor of Public Health in 2011. His academic training provided him with a strong foundation in epidemiology, health systems strengthening, and international health policy.
In the field of clinical dentistry, Dr. Licos completed a three-year residency training in Oral Surgery at Mary Chiles Hospital in 2019. He is an Associate Fellow in Implant Dentistry and a Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Dental Public Health, reflecting his competency in both specialized clinical care and population-based oral health practice.
Dr. Licos’ government service spans multiple key sectors. He began as Dentist II at the Department of Education – Schools Division of La Union on February 26, 2002, where he implemented school-based oral health programs. On April 1, 2009, he joined the Department of Health – Center for Health Development I as Dentist III, contributing to the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of regional oral health policies and public health programs.
On April 12, 2016, he was appointed Dentist III at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), a tertiary apex hospital. He was subsequently promoted to Dentist V on December 16, 2017, and served as Department Head of the Dental Medicine Department until March 1, 2026. Under his leadership, the department enhanced clinical service delivery, institutionalized community-responsive oral health programs, and integrated public health principles into hospital-based dental care systems.
In addition to his clinical and public health roles, Dr. Licos has contributed to dental education as an Visiting Instructor at the School of Dentistry and Graduate School, University of Baguio since September 2022, where he has supported the development of future dental professionals through instruction, mentoring, and the integration of public health principles into dental training.
Dr. Licos is a three-time recipient of the FDI World Dental Federation Smile Grant, awarded through the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), recognizing his leadership as principal author and implementer of innovative community-based programs such as Say Nganga, Toothousand, and Little Doctors. These initiatives have significantly improved access to oral health education, preventive services, and community engagement, particularly among vulnerable and underserved populations.
Research and Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Licos is actively engaged in research as a principal author, contributing to the evidence base of dental public health through studies focusing on epidemiology, preventive strategies, health systems, and service delivery models.
Published Papers:
• Early Childhood Caries Experience of Children Seeking Consultations at a Tertiary Government Hospital in La Union
Journal of the Philippine Dental Association, Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 2–20, December 2020
• Child-to-Child School Health Program (CtCSHP): Its Impact on the Oral Health Behavior of Grade 1 Pupils in the Division of La Union, Philippines
Journal of the National Institute of Public Health, Japan, Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 44–49, April 2011
Unpublished Research:
• Prevalence of Dental Caries among Children with Special Needs in San Fernando City SPED Integrated School and Caba SPED Center: A Cross-Sectional Survey (April 2025)
• Cost-Analysis of Contemporary Caries Prevention Procedures for Dental and Oral Care Outpatient Benefit Package Essential in Health Care Policy (December 2023)
• Assessment on Dental Caries Prevalence among 15–19-Year-Old Adolescents Seeking Consultation and Treatment at a Tertiary Government Hospital in La Union (December 2022)
• Assessment of Patient Satisfaction Using Teledentistry in ITRMC (December 2021)
• Early Childhood Caries Experience of Preschoolers in the City of San Fernando, La Union (December 2020)
These scholarly outputs contribute to locally generated evidence that informs policy development, strengthens preventive strategies, and supports the delivery of responsive and equitable oral health services.
Professional Leadership and Affiliations
Dr. Licos has held significant leadership positions in professional, institutional, and civic organizations, including:
• Past Chair, Public Health Committee, Philippine Dental Association
• Corporate Secretary, Philippine Academy of Dental Public Health
• Chairman, Board of Examiners, Philippine Board of Dental Public Health
• Past President, Philippine Dental Association – La Union Chapter
• Past President, Department of Health National Association of Dentists (DHNAD)
• Past President, Rotary Club of Metro San Fernando, La Union
• Past President, ITRMC Employees Association
His leadership across these organizations has contributed to the advancement of professional standards, organizational development, workforce engagement, and strengthened health service delivery systems.
Academic Leadership
On March 2, 2026, through secondment, Dr. Licos assumed office as Dean of the College of Dentistry of Mariano Marcos State University, with the academic rank of Professor V. His leadership is anchored on outcomes-based education, quality assurance mechanisms, research productivity, and community engagement aligned with national and international standards in dental education.
The College of Dentistry, with great pride, formally recognizes Dr. Artemio R. Licos, Jr., DMD, MPH, DrPH, DPBDPH as Dean of the College of Dentistry.
