Dr. Abraham U. Culbengan
President-Elect

Professional Biography

Dr. Abraham U. Culbengan

Non-Invasive / Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Dentistry (MiCD) | Aesthetic Dentistry | Dental Biomaterials and Clinical Trials | Facial Aesthetics | Glass Ionomer and Nanoceramic Composite Restorations

Dr. Abraham “Abe” Culbengan is an exceptionally accomplished and multi-disciplinary dental professional who began his medical career upon graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Centro Escolar University, Manila in 1993. Demonstrating a unique drive for lifelong learning, he expanded his professional horizon by becoming a Registered Nurse in 2006. He subsequently earned a Master of Arts in Nursing in 2009 from St. Jude College, followed by a PhD in Educational Management in 2013. His doctoral dissertation, focused on cosmetic dentistry instructional resources, perfectly bridged his advanced academic credentials with his ultimate dedication to the practice of non-invasive aesthetic dentistry.

Dr. Culbengan’s clinical and corporate expertise spans highly prominent global networks. In 2017, he was chosen to represent the Philippines at the APAC Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Meeting at the 3M Oral Care Division Headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, while simultaneously studying evaluative dental techniques at the Minnesota Dental Research Center. His international footprint includes working as a Dental Consultant at the Thanaya-Alyaqoot Medical Specialists Clinic in Saudi Arabia, completing the UCLA Program in Aesthetic Continuum in the USA, and undergoing residency training in Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Dentistry (MiCD) in Bangkok, Thailand. His precision in dental artistry has earned him prestigious international accolades, such as the Grand International Winner for 3M-ESPEE Clinical Photos and the Style Italiano 3M SmileStories Asia-Pacific Award. His professional authority has also made him a go-to dental expert on popular mainstream media programs, including GMA Network’s Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho and Eat Bulaga.

As an industry trailblazer, Dr. Culbengan is one of the core founding members of the Philippine Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (PAED). He has significantly shaped local and international dental standards through his extensive roles as a long-standing Key Opinion Leader (KOL) and lecturer for global dental manufacturers such as 3M Company, President Zenit, and Shofu Dental. Recognized as a global advocate for tooth preservation, he was appointed by the founder of MiCD to serve as the official Country Representative for the Philippines. Currently, he serves as the Vice President and Continuing Dental Education (CDE) Chair for PAED, and actively runs his private practice, the A Beautiful Expression (ABE) Dental and Facial Aesthetic Center, located in Cubao, Quezon City.

Education & Training

○ Doctor of Dental Medicine – Centro Escolar University, Manila (Graduated 1993)

○ Registered Nurse (RN) – Professional Licensure (Achieved 2006)

○ Master of Arts in Nursing – St. Jude College (Graduated 2009; Thesis published in college journal)

○ Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Major in Educational Management – Graduate School (Graduated 2013; Dissertation focused on Cosmetic Dentistry Instructional Resources)

○ Evaluative Techniques in Dental Materials Course – Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (2017)

○ Mastering Esthetic Challenges Workshop – Trained under Dr. Terry Donovan, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah (Certified by Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, 2015)

○ International Residency Program on Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Dentistry – Thammasat and Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand (2016)

○ UCLA Program in Aesthetic Continuum – UCLA College of Dentistry, Los Angeles, USA (2016)
Leadership & Business

○ Clinic Owner & Practitioner – A Beautiful Expression (ABE) Dental and Facial Aesthetic Center (Cubao, Quezon City)

○ Vice President & Continuing Dental Education (CDE) Chair – Philippine Academy of Esthetic Dentistry / PAED (Board Director 2021–2024; Executive Officer Current)

○ Philippines Country Representative – MiCD (Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Dentistry) Aesthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry Network

○ Dental Consultant – Thanaya-Alyaqoot Medical Specialists Clinic (Saudi Arabia, 2013)

○ Key Opinion Leader (KOL) & International Lecturer – 3M Company (2001–Present), President Zenit Nanoceramic Composite (2022–Present), and Shofu Dental (2016–2019)

○ Course Chairman & Facilitator – PAED 101 Courses (1998–2006) and the PDA-Pre Conference Style Italiano Anterior Espresso Lecture/Workshop (May 13, 2024)