Dr. Valera graduated cum laude from the College of Dentistry of the University of the East, Manila (UE) in 1975. An outstanding student, he was a scholar throughout his time at UE and he received the Gold Medal for Academic and Clinical Excellence upon graduation.

After placing second in the Board Exams in the Dental Board Examination in 1976, he joined the faculty of the UE College of Dentistry, handling subjects such as Restorative Dentistry, Orthodontics and Pedodontics.

His extensive pediatric dental practice motivated him to shift to Orthodontics. In 1985, he enrolled in the Preceptorship Orthodontic Program conducted by his former orthodontic professor Virginia Peñaloza DMD, MSD. He also attended numerous orthodontic seminars, workshops and other short programs that exposed him to various orthodontic Techniques, further widening his clinical skills.

Dr. Valera’s practice now consists of 70 to 75 percent orthodontics, handling various malocclusion problems in different age levels. His pediatric and orthodontics experience, which spans 24 years, include preventive, interceptive and corrective orthodontic management, treating his patients with appliances ranging from the simple to the more sophisticated ones. He manages TMJ problems as well as functional orthodontic cases. Many of these are well documented and included in his presentations.

His orthodontic lectures started in 1990 through his Filipino Orthodontic Study Club. This is a recognized study club by the International Association for Orthodontics (IAO). It has graduated more than 900 dentists from all areas of the Philippines, who are currently enjoying in terms of expanded dental practice, the fruits of their efforts.

Dr. Valera established the Philippine Society for Orthodontics Inc. He is a Convenor and past President of the International Association for Orthodontics Phils., and one of the founders and Charter President of the Philippine Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (PAED).

Dr. Valera is a fervent believer in continuing education, participating in the International Association for Orthodontics (IAO) program for level advancement. This earned him the title of “Fellow” of the Association in 1999 in Orlando, Florida, Board Eligible in 2002 and finally, Board Diplomate in 2012. He also attended the PAED-UCLA Esthetic Program and the PAED- sponsored esthetic lecture in Sydney, Australia. He was a Kerr Esthetic lecturer for several years as well as a regular PAED lecturer in the past, with focus on the topic OrthoEsthetic.

Dr. Valera to date is also an active Fellow of the Academy of Dentistry International, Philippine Society for Orthodontics, PAED and Pierre Fauchard Academy.

During the 52nd Anniversary of UE in 1998, Dr. Valera was chosen by the institution as most “Outstanding Teacher” and by the UE College of Dentistry as most “Outstanding Alumnus.” In September 2013, Dr. Valera and his wife Dr. Rebecca O. Valera were both awarded by UE as most “Outstanding Alumni couple,” a reflection of their commitment to teaching and to the University which they served for many years.

In March 2014, Dr. Valera received the Dr. Leon Pinsker award of the IAO at the Association’s annual meeting in Florida, US. This is the highest award this prestigious orthodontic association bestows on an outstanding deserving member.