"I used to be extremely introverted and shy. But after entering FKG UGM, my perspective started to open up… I tried to be active at the university level, joining committees and student activities. That was my turning point—from being an introvert to becoming an extrovert.” -Aisyah Mardiani, S.H.G-
Born in Pekalongan, Central Java in 2004, Aisyah Mardiani chose the Dental Hygiene program at FKG UGM. Since high school, she had set her sights on studying at UGM, determined to live independently away from home and take full responsibility for her choice.
Accepted into the program through the National Invitation Pathway (academic report-based selection), Aisyah initially aspired to become a dentist. However, her journey led her to excel in Dental Hygiene, achieving the highest GPA of 3.88 among 33 peers at the 17 July 2025 graduation. “There wasn’t any special preparation during my studies—I just followed the flow with determination and purpose,” she explained. In her view, dental hygiene emphasizes promotive and preventive dental health, and in the future, the profession will play a significant role in community dental health education as well as hospital management and therapeutic communication.
“Now I already have a plan. I’ll work first, then continue my studies in hospital management,” said Aisyah, who enjoys Korean dramas. Her thesis, titled Effect of Nanoemulgel Span Medium Stem Cell from Human Exfoliated Surfactant on the Number of Blood Vessels in Wound Healing, reflects her principle that hard work never betrays results.
Reflecting on her learning journey, she praised her supportive and open-minded lecturers. She hopes that in the future, the Dental Hygiene program will further strengthen
its role on the global stage through more applied programs and innovative studies.
Author: Andri Wicaksono | Photographer: Fajar Budi H
