The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held an important meeting with Prof. Eiji Tanaka, DDS., Ph.D., an orthodontics expert from Tokushima University, to discuss the direction of collaboration in orthodontics on Thursday, 31 July 2025.
The meeting discussed several concrete plans, including organizing joint clinical courses, student and lecturer exchanges, and the development of interdisciplinary research. Head of the Cooperation Unit of FKG UGM, Drg. Anrizandy Narwidina, MDSc., Sp.KGA., Ph.D., stated that this dialogue was an important step in strengthening FKG UGM’s academic competitiveness and clinical capacity at the global level.
“This visit is part of a strategic agenda to build a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership. We are targeting cross-department collaboration that directly impacts the quality of education and clinical services,” said drg. Anrizandy.
Prof. Eiji Tanaka welcomed the direction of this collaboration. In the discussion, he expressed Tokushima University’s readiness to receive FKG UGM residents and lecturers in a two-week academic mobility program. This exchange is designed to broaden clinical perspectives, enhance international exposure, and strengthen professional networks.
As part of the agenda, Prof. Tanaka also held discussions with Dr. Drg. Cendrawasih Andusyana Farmasyanti, M.Kes., Sp.Ort.(K) from the Department of Orthodontics, and Drg. Intan Ruspita, M.Kes., Ph.D., Sp.Pros.(K) from the Department of Prosthodontics on clinical cases ofTemporomandibular Joint (TMJ)disorders. This discussion served as a moment of cross-departmental integration in developing collaborative-based practice.
Furthermore, Prof. Tanaka also supported the idea of extending the benefits of this collaboration to other departments within FKG UGM. This step will be followed up by coordinating with the Department of Pediatric Dentistry.
Prof. Eiji Tanaka’s visit to FKG UGM was not the first. Previously, on 19 March 2024, he also visited to deliver an expert lecture on the theme of Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders. These repeated visits reflect the close academic and scientific collaboration between FKG UGM and Tokushima University, particularly in the field of dentistry.
Author and Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
