Dr. Samantha Rose Bernardo, CEO and founder of Awesam Smile Dental Clinic and Tradent Dental Supply, is at the forefront of making quality dental care accessible and relatable for more Filipinos. Marking her 10th year as a licensed dentist, Dr. Bernardo recently celebrated the opening of Awesam Smile’s ninth branch at Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig, highlighting the brand’s rapid expansion across Metro Manila and Rizal.
With a degree from Centro Escolar University–Manila and extensive international training, including postgraduate programs at UCLA, the University of the Philippines, Dubai, and the Metropolitan Medical Center, Dr. Sam Bernardo is the first dentist in her family. “Rewarding moments, hindi ko akalain na darating ako kung nasaan man ako ngayon. Kasi ang naging start talaga ng clinic ay sa baba ng bahay namin,” she shared in a press conference, reflecting on the clinic’s humble beginnings.
Awesam Smile Dental Clinic has grown from its roots in Rizal to nine branches, driven by a mission to provide high-quality dental services at affordable prices. “Dental care should never be a luxury. It’s a basic need, and I’ll keep working to make it available to everyone,” Bernardo said, emphasizing the importance of oral health for both function and appearance.
The clinic’s growing roster of celebrity ambassadors—including Mika Salamanca, Bianca de Vera, P-pop girl group G22, and Daniel Matsunaga—has helped bridge dentistry, beauty, and showbiz, making oral health conversations more relatable to a wider audience. “Happy ako na lahat ng celebrities na nakakatrabaho ko priority talaga nila yung oral health,” Bernardo said.
Bernardo also cautions patients against choosing procedures based solely on price, especially for long-term treatments like braces. “Invest in your oral health. Kasi ang ngipin natin, hindi lang yan parang pampaganda or ngiti lang,” she added.
Her entrepreneurial journey extends to Tradent Dental Supply, launched in 2021 after being inspired by a dental convention in China. “What if maging dentista ako and at the same time makatulong din ako sa mga colleagues ko rin. Yun yung vision ko dati,” Bernardo recalled. The company now supplies affordable, high-quality dental products to professionals nationwide.
Despite her increasing visibility in entertainment circles, Bernardo remains focused on dentistry and entrepreneurship. “Honestly talaga nung bata ako, gusto kong mag-artista. But as I grow older, madami akong gustong gawin,” she shared. “Kung merong opportunity, baka pwede. Pero kung wala, okay na happy na ako. I’m contented.”
She credits her team, support systems, and faith for her success, believing that authenticity and genuine
intentions lead to unexpected opportunities. As Awesam Smile continues to expand, Dr. Bernardo’s journey stands as a testament to perseverance, gratitude, and a commitment to making every Filipino’s smile healthier and brighter.
