The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), Taiwan, explored potential collaborations in research, student exchange, and digital dentistry development. This was discussed in a meeting held at the FKG UGM campus on Tuesday (17/6), attended by faculty leaders, lecturers from various departments, and a delegation from NCKU.
Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Collaboration of FKG UGM, drg. Trianna Wahyu Utami, MD.Sc., Ph.D., stated that the discussion was an initial step to open space for more focused and productive collaboration. “We highly appreciate NCKU’s interest in this collaboration initiative. Many departments at FKG UGM have strong potential and interest in joint research, staff and student exchange, as well as technology-based scientific development,” she explained.
During the meeting, several departments at FKG UGM presented their collaboration interests according to their respective fields. The Department of Conservative Dentistry, for instance, expressed hopes to establish collaboration through guest lectures., joint research working groups, and exchange programs. Meanwhile, the Departments of Prosthodontics and Biomaterials highlighted possible collaborations in the areas of digital dentistry and degradable materials for implants.
On NCKU’s side, although they do not have a dedicated dental faculty, representatives explained that dental services have long been running at their university hospital. The NCKU delegation expressed interest in the proposed research topics and opened opportunities to invite FKG UGM to participate in various dental-themed workshops they organize.
“We are very open to developing this collaboration. Even though we do not have a dental school, we have many research areas that can be connected to dentistry, and we would like to start with joint research collaboration,” said the NCKU representative.
Some potential areas of collaboration proposed include the development of artificial intelligence for voice-based odontograms, surgical orthodontics, X-ray technology for oral health, as well as joint supervision for students. Head of the Cooperation Unit of FKG UGM, drg. Anrizandy Narwidina, M.DSc., Sp.KGA., Ph.D., emphasized that this partnership could serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and resources. “We hope this collaboration will not stop at discussions, but develop into real programs that benefit both institutions,” he said
Meanwhile, Prof. drg. Ika Dewi Ana, M.Kes., Ph.D., highlighted the importance of building sustainable collaborations covering various academic aspects. “FKG UGM has programs such as summer courses, joint research, and lecture exchanges that can be developed with NCKU. We also hope to establish a joint funding scheme to support long-term collaboration,” she stated.
Author and Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
