That morning, after rain had washed over the UGM campus on Thursday, March 5, 2026, the courtyard of FKG UGM was filled with faces from different generations. There were senior professors who had begun their academic careers decades ago in modest clinic rooms, as well as students who had only recently been introduced to the world of dentistry. Among them stood a shared awareness: witnessing the long journey of an institution now entering its 78th year.
This year’s anniversary celebration was more than just a ceremony—it became a space for reflection on rapid transformation, showing how a faculty born from the mission of improving national health is now moving toward the global academic stage.
The Beginning of a Mission
From its founding, FKG UGM carried a simple yet profound mission: to improve dental health in Indonesia, where access to care was once very limited. In its early years, educational and clinical facilities were minimal. Yet a strong spirit of service became its foundation.
Decades later, that spirit remains—though the context has evolved. Dentistry today is no longer limited to clinical practice, but also encompasses research, technological innovation, and global collaboration.
A Campus Transformed
The most visible transformation is physical. The Dental Learning Center (DLC), a six-story building, now stands as a hub for modern dental education and innovation.
Inside are clinical simulation rooms, research laboratories, and digital learning facilities that allow students to train before treating real patients.
The building has earned a Greenship Gold certification from the Green Building Council Indonesia, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development.
For the academic community, however, the building is more than infrastructure—it symbolizes a shift in educational paradigm: from conventional classrooms to a collaborative and innovative learning ecosystem.
A Leap in Research
Over the past four years, international scientific publications from the faculty have increased significantly—from around 44 publications to more than 90 articles in reputable international journals.
One standout figure is Prof. Ika Dewi Ana, who is listed among the Top 2% of World Scientists by Stanford University—a global recognition placing Indonesian researchers on the international scientific map.
Research efforts now extend beyond publication. FKG UGM is actively promoting downstream innovation—transforming research into products that benefit society. In recent years, at least 15 innovative products have been developed in collaboration with national industry partners. At this point, the university’s role is shifting from a center of knowledge to a driver of health innovation.
A New Generation of Dentists
FKG UGM emphasizes not only clinical skills but also sociopreneurship—the idea that dentists can be agents of social change. This is reflected in student activities such as the Dental Project, an entrepreneurial initiative that generates billions of rupiah annually. A portion of the profits is allocated to social programs and student scholarships.
Student life has also become more dynamic. In recent years, FKG UGM students have achieved dozens of national and international awards, from scientific competitions to arts and creativity events. This shows that dental education has evolved into a broader space for personal development.
A Globally Connected Campus
Another transformation is the faculty’s increasing openness to the international community.
Students now participate in academic mobility programs across universities in Asia and Europe, while international students come to Yogyakarta through exchange programs.
Programs like the Dental Summer Course serve as meeting points for dental students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.
A Commitment to Service
Despite its move toward internationalization, one identity remains strong: community service.
In recent years, dental healthcare outreach programs have increased significantly.
Many programs bringing services to underserved communities across various regions.
On campus, solidarity is also fostered through student initiatives.
Such as the honesty canteen, where all profits are used to support students in financial need.
These small efforts serve as reminders that dental education is not only about technical expertise but also about humanity.
Looking Ahead
At 78 years, FKG UGM stands at a pivotal stage. It carries a long legacy of contributing to national dental education while facing the demands of an increasingly global and competitive academic world.
The goal of becoming a top 100 global university presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Yet for many within the academic community, the core mission remains unchanged: to deliver knowledge that benefits society.
This 78-year journey shows that FKG UGM is built not only by buildings or rankings, but by ideas, dedication, and cross-generational loyalty—rooted in the belief that dental health is part of human dignity.
Reporter: Andri Wicaksono, Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
