The spirit of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration became the central highlight of the 78th Anniversary Symposium of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held on 18 April 2026. Carrying the theme “Beyond the Gingiva: How Modern Periodontal Innovations Elevate Multidisciplinary Clinical Solutions,”the scientific forum emphasized the strategic role of periodontology as the backbone of future clinical dental solutions.
The presentation delivered by Vincensia Maria Karina, DDS, MDSc., Sp.Perio introduced various cutting-edge breakthroughs, ranging from tissue engineering based on 3D printing technology to the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostics. These innovations not only strengthen the structural stability and biological homeostasis of periodontal tissues, but also comprehensively improve patient aesthetics.
drg. Viki, as she is commonly known, emphasized that technological advances have transformed periodontal treatment paradigms from merely curative approaches into highly precise regenerative care.
“We are no longer simply treating tissue damage; we are now able to regenerate tissue through highly personalized approaches. Technologies such as 3D-printed scaffolds enable therapies truly tailored to patient morphology,” she explained.
One major highlight was the use of 3D-printed personalized scaffolds . By utilizing patients’ CBCT radiographic data, scaffolds can be precisely designed to match bone defect morphology. These materials can even be combined with growth factors and stem cells, significantly accelerating tissue regeneration compared with conventional methods.
In addition, the development of smart biomaterials with controlled-release systems opens new opportunities for more effective and sustainable therapies. These innovations ensure active substances are released in a controlled manner, thereby improving periodontal tissue healing outcomes.
In her presentation, Dr. Viki also emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in modern clinical practice.
“Periodontology cannot stand alone. Collaboration with orthodontics, endodontics, as well as systemic medicine and radiology is essential for delivering comprehensive solutions to patients,” she stated.
Such collaboration is increasingly strengthened through digital technology integration. The use of Digital Periodontal Charting, online risk assessment systems, and artificial intelligence for radiographic analysis has become part of a major transformation toward data-driven dentistry.
Furthermore, innovations such as laser-assisted periodontal therapy and the exploration of robotics in periodontal surgery demonstrate a future direction that is increasingly sophisticated and minimally invasive.
The 78th anniversary celebration not only reflected the long journey of the UGM Faculty of Dentistry since its establishment in 1948, but also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and oral healthcare services in Indonesia.
“We want to ensure that innovations developed in laboratories truly translate into real improvements in people’s quality of life,” drg. Viki remarked.
This periodontology session became a strategic forum for academics, clinicians, and researchers to formulate a future of dentistry that is more adaptive and collaborative.
(Reporter: Andri Wicaksono, S.Sos., M.I.Kom.; Photography: Fajar Budi Harsakti, SE)
