“Being the first does not always mean being a champion, but being the first to bring blessings and benefits to others.” — Prof. drg. Suryono, SH, MM, Ph.D.
A total of 244 new FKG UGM students, including 21 students from the International Undergraduate Program (IUP), 3 of whom are international students from China and Malaysia, took part in the 2025 I-Dentistry Pioneer event on Wednesday, 6 August 2025. I-Dentistry Pioneer of FKG UGM is a series of welcoming activities for new students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, designed to introduce the world of dental education in an inspiring, interactive, and enjoyable way. Through I-Dentistry Pioneer, the new Gadjah Mada students (GAMADA) are invited to explore the core values of FKG UGM, foster a spirit of togetherness, and cultivate pride and responsibility as future dentists. The 2025 UGM I-Dentistry Pioneer was officially opened in a lively ceremony at the Margono Suradji Auditorium, attended by the Dean of FKG UGM along with the Dean’s Office, Department Heads, and FKG lecturers. The presentation outlined various achievements of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, including impressive world rankings in several categories such as entrepreneurship, community service, and student exchange.
According to WURI, FKG UGM successfully entered the world’s top 100 and even surpassed prestigious universities such as Harvard University and Oxford University in several aspects. Innovations such as bone grafts and dental technology development also received attention. FKG UGM has obtained international accreditation and established partnerships with 21 countries across five continents. In addition to academic achievements, emphasis was also placed on campus environmental cleanliness through active waste management programs and student education. Appreciation was given to lecturers and students for their contributions, including success in competency exams and the development of international programs. Overall, the presentation highlighted FKG UGM’s spirit of progress, innovation, and collaboration as a forward step in dental education in Indonesia. Dean of FKG UGM, Prof. drg. Suryono, SH., MM., Ph.D., stated, "FKG UGM ranked 6th in the world, surpassing prestigious universities such as Harvard University and Oxford University in certain categories in 2024. There are three main categories that placed FKG UGM in the world’s top 100 in 2024, namely entrepreneurship (6th in the world), community service (9th in the world), and student exchange (27th in the world).”
Many of FKG UGM’s innovations have been pioneered by Prof. drg. Ika Dewi Ana, M.Kes., Ph.D., including the creation of Gama-CHA bone grafts, an innovative work in the field of dentistry. FKG UGM contributes to campus waste management by providing separate waste bins, educating the campus community, and organizing a short film competition entitled “Waste Becomes a Blessing” to raise cleanliness awareness. FKG UGM students and lecturers are also active in the development of medical technology, such as the work of student Mas Seno related to technological advancement in dentistry.
Prof. Suryono also explained that several study programs at FKG UGM have obtained international accreditation until 2030, demonstrating globally recognized education quality (ASIIN). FKG UGM has partnerships with 21 countries across five continents, including Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong, enabling international exchanges and collaborations.
An important message for new FKG UGM students is that being the first does not always mean being the champion, but being the first to bring blessings and benefits to others. Friska, one of the new FKG UGM students, asked about how FKG UGM supports career development and specialist education. FKG UGM offers specialist programs such as Radiology and Oral Medicine, as well as the International Undergraduate Program (IUP), which supports students’ career development and specialist education.
Author: Andri Wicaksono | Photo: Fajar Budi H
