On Tuesday, 11 June 2024, the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) conducted a working visit to the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) to establish cooperation and foster relations. The event, held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm WIB, was attended by faculty members from both institutions.
During the event, the Dean of FKG UGM, Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D., delivered a welcome speech emphasizing the importance of collaboration in enhancing the quality of education and research in dentistry—additionally, the Dean of FKG UMS, drg. Dendy Murdiyanto, MDSc, introduced his team, many of whom are UGM alums, and expressed FKG UMS's intention to continue learning and developing under the guidance of FKG UGM.
The discussions addressed critical issues such as improving human resources, advanced studies for lecturers, student mobility programs, and curriculum development. The Vice Dean I of FKG UGM, drg. Rosa Amalia, M.Kes., Ph.D., welcomed UMS's plan to send its lecturers to pursue further studies at FKG UGM and explained that FKG UGM offers 13 study programs, including a new program for Oral Disease Specialists.
One of the topics discussed was student mobility and how FKG UGM manages international students. Drg. Rosa Amalia explained that UGM accepts international students for both degree and non-degree programs, offering flexible programs such as summer courses.
The discussion also touched on implementing the Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program at FKG UGM, which has been challenging for UMS. Drg. Aryan Morita, M.Sc., Ph.D., the Head of the Undergraduate Dentistry Program at FKG UGM, explained that UGM has adjusted its internal policies to meet MBKM requirements, allowing existing programs to be recognized as part of MBKM.
Collaboration in the field of publications was another critical point of the meeting. FKG UGM and FKG UMS agreed to collaborate on joint publications, adhering to the standards and criteria set by FKG UGM. This collaboration is expected to enhance the quality and quantity of both institutions' scientific publications.
The follow-up from this discussion will be outlined in a Cooperation Agreement to be further discussed by the Cooperation Units of both faculties. It is hoped that this partnership will not only improve the quality of education and research at both institutions but also contribute positively to sustainable development in dental education, in line with SDGs 4: Quality Education, SDGs 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
