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Dr. Rufino Achacoso
… The best there is.
by: Leah Vesna
Ferrer, DMD
 In
basketball, there goes Michael Jordan. In golf, Tiger Woods. In Soccer, Pele.
What about in Philippine Dentistry? The first person that came into my mind is
Dr. Rufino Achacoso.
I have never met Dr. Rufino Achacoso personally until I came to his office with
colleagues Alex and Cris Garcia and Louella Lavina last December. Obviously, he
was never my teacher in school, but I have been hearing his name since I entered
the College of Dentistry. I remember every person mentioning his name speaks it
with awe and reverence.
What kind of man is he?
Dr. Rufino Achacoso is a golden man. He graduated from the College of Dentistry
fifty golden years ago. He has been cited as Most Distinguished Alumnus by MCU
and the College of Dentistry. He received PRC’s Outstanding Professional Award
in 1994 and PDA’s St. Apolonia Award in 1983. His awards and citations could
go on and on, but beyond them is a kind and generous man.
Dr. Achacoso showed extreme potentials as a young man. On his first year as
dental student he was a "substitute" teacher, always in aid of his
classmates. He was the President of his batch. And, have you ever heard of
someone finishing Dentistry in 2 ½ years? Well, he did, and he did it well.
After graduations and ranking 5 in the National Board Examination, Dr. Achacoso
joined the College of Dentistry as faculty member. In 1955, he was offered the
deanship of the college. The administration, however, later declined because
they differ in visions and aspirations for the college.
As a teacher, everyone says he is the best. He can make you smile, he can make
you laugh, and he can make you learn. His key: make sure that the seemingly
least student learns in class.
As a dental professional, no doubt he is the best. His various training here and
abroad speak well of it. Colleagues give him the unofficial tittle of
"Father of Philippine Prosthodontics", not because of his age (he is a
young and bubbly as can be), but because of his pioneering work and undisputed
expertise. And do you know where most of Manila’s Who’s who go for dental
work? But, of course, his generous heart also caters to people who cannot afford
dental treatment.
Dr. Achacoso continued to become lecturer, not only in MCU but in other schools
as well. In fact, since 1952 until today he continues to lecture in the PDA and
its many chapters.
Dr. Achacoso is a very productive man (literally speaking, he has 13 children
with wife Mabel Achacoso Nee Directo). He has been constantly sharing himself
and his expertise. He really has marked Philippine Dental history well.
Years ago, Dr. Achacoso met his former Anatomy professor, Dr. Alberto Romualdez,
when the formers family orchestra played in the World Medical Assembly held in
Manila. Dr. Romualdez told him : "I know you are going somewhere." And
Dr. Rufino Achacoso did just that and he has taken with him Philippine Dentistry
as well.
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