Dr. de la Pena Dr. de la Pena Dr. "Ding"de la Pena graduated from Centro Escolar University in Manila in 1992 with a Degree in Dental Medicine. Dividing his college days between the army and dentistry, he prioritized his tasks to achieve a well rounded mental and physical education. He recognized the advantage of fusing the fundamentals of clinical dentistry and leadership. A constant honor student during his elementary and high school days, Dr. de la Pena was the recipient of multiple art, academic and leadership awards. In college, he was a member of the Honor Society, and rose from the ranks to be Corps Adjutant of the San Beda Lions Corps. This also entitled him a scholarship through the ROTC Program.He believed that leadership is synonymous with management and further comments: "I am grateful for the military for giving me an all-expense-paid training on patience, courtesy and practice management... who else could teach that better than a barking drill sergeant?" Never having to take the two National  and two State Board Exams more than once,  he finally received his license to practice dentistry in California in 1996. In order to renew their licenses in California, dentists must undergo 25 hours of continuing education every year or 50 hours every 2 years. Dr. de la Pena, a self-confessed continuing education-aholic; triples or quadruples  this requirement. His patients are the main beneficiaries from all these. He often receives negative comments from peers for acquiring pricey equipment for a moderate practice. "First of all, I don't want and don't need a huge practice. Not only does it take away the personal touch, it also reduces everything to figures and numbers. A dental factory obsessed with production is something I can live without. Second, dentistry in itself is a demanding profession. If something meets my 3 criterias for a new equipment (faster, easier, better) then it's in my shopping list". 2Lt. Fernando de la Pena Ana Lilibeth de la Pena Being the child of Ms. Eva Darren and Mr. Paquito Diaz, both icons in Philippine cinema, Dr. de la Pena has his share of Filipino celebrity patients and has this to say, "White has to be whiter and gorgeous needs to be stunning! Remember, these folks are always in the limelight. You need extra cosmetic skills to deliver." Dr. de la Pena currently concentrates in providing quality and practical dental care to his patients and is a member of the following organizations : American Dental Association California Dental Association Los Angeles Dental Society Academy of General Dentistry United States Dental Institute He is "Invisalign" certified, holds a certificate for conscious sedation and is an Associate Fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute. Married to his caring and loving wife, Lilibeth, for more than 13 years, they are blessed with 3 children... FJ, Darius and Danica. Lilibeth graduated from Centro Escolar University with a Bachelor in Medical Technology. She is a State Certified Phlebotomist  and a Certified Dental X-ray Technician in California. She is the Staff's insurance expert and knows the ins and outs of paper and electronic claims processing. Being the manager of the De La Pena Dental Group, Lily is responsible for making sure that everything in the office flows smoothly... and that Dr. de la Pena gets home in time for dinner. Dr. de la Pena sees to it that he and the staff attend continuing education together at least once a year. It doesn't only fulfill a requirement for renewal, it also helps build camaraderie in the workplace, "A  good team is like a well oiled machine that gets the job done!" 3 reasons to work hard. Anaheim Convention Center The Staff Lena Martin     The staff includes: Magdalena Martin Lena is the calming voice you hear on the phone and is responsible for checking eligibility and balancing the schedule for efficiency and unhurried care. Gloria Rodriguez RDA (12 years experience in dentistry) Gloria is the "ortho (braces) expert" and is loved by all her patients for her quick and no-beating-around-the-bush style.     Ingrid Granados DA (8 years experience in dentitsry) Sometimes Dr. de la Pena worries that Ingrid is able to read his mind because she would provide him with the instruments and a complete set-up before he would even ask for it. Gloria Rodriguez RDA Ingrid Granados DA Vincent del Rosario DA Vincent del Rosario graduated from Centro Escolar University in Manila, Philippines with a degree in Dental Medicine. He is currently preparing to take the National Board Exams in the US. Hardworking and patient, Vince is popular among our patients.