Hands-on Session by drg. Hendargo Agung Pribadi, Sp.KG at FKG UGM Teaches Precision, Patience, and Empathy in Root Canal Treatment
In a small clinical practice room filled with the distinctive scent of disinfectants, hands-on participants attentively observed every movement of their instructor. drg. Hendargo Agung Pribadi, Sp.KG not only demonstrated step-by-step root canal treatment procedures, but also taught something deeper: that every tooth saved is a small expression of love for the profession.
“In endodontics, we do not work only with instruments, but with a patient heart and mindful hands,” — drg. Hendargo Agung Pribadi, Sp.KG
This hands-on session, held on 12 October 2025, was also the result of synergy between the Faculty of Dentistry UGM through iDSDC (Interdisciplinary Dentistry Skills and Development Center) and KAKGIGAMA. The collaboration aimed to provide an in-depth clinical learning experience where theory, practice, and humanitarian values converge in a single training program. iDSDC plays a role in developing learning methods based on innovation and digital dental technology, while KAKGIGAMA expands the impact of the activity through an active and professional alumni network. Through this collaboration, the hands-on hands-on session became a platform for sustainable professional development to enhance the quality and ethical standards of dental healthcare professionals in Indonesia.
Precision as an Expression of Care
This hands-on session provided participants with the opportunity to understand the importance of precise access, perfect isolation, and thorough root canal cleanliness. drg. Hendargo emphasized that every stage—from coronal access opening to coronal sealing—must be performed with full awareness.
“Root canal treatment is not merely about removing diseased tissue, but about preserving a living space so it can continue to function,” he explained.
Through simulations using training blocks and artificial teeth, participants were guided to train steady hands and the ability to interpret root canal anatomy, which often presents complex and unpredictable forms.
From Technique to Philosophy
For drg. Hendargo, the success of endodontic treatment is not solely about achieving perfect radiographic results, but about ensuring that patients leave the clinic without fear. He emphasized the importance of communication—explaining every step to patients so they feel safe and involved in the healing process. “Patients who understand what the dentist is doing will be more trusting and more cooperative,” he explained. In an enthusiastic atmosphere, he also shared clinical experiences illustrating how even small errors in isolation or obturation can affect long-term outcomes, making discipline and patience the main foundations.
Transforming Fear into Confidence
For participants, this session was not merely technical training, but an emotional experience. They learned that behind seemingly simple procedures lies a deep dedication to restoring patients’ trust in dental care. One participant even remarked, “I just realized that treating a cavity all the way to the root is not about fixing, but about understanding.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the entire activity: that dentistry is fundamentally about care.
A Message at the End of the Procedure
Closing the hands-onsession, drg. Hendargo reminded participants to always balance logic and conscience. “When we work too fast, we lose sensitivity. When we lose sensitivity, we lose the meaning of this work,” he said with a warm smile. That day’s hands-on session became not merely a clinical skills exercise, but a reflection on how to become a mindful and compassionate dentist.
Author & Photo: Dody Hendro W
