As a preventive measure to detect potential psychiatric disorders among future dentists, the Undergraduate Dentistry Program of the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) organized Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) interview assessments on Monday (18/5/2026). This psychological assessment is mandatory for students who are about to enter the professional clinical stage (co-assistantship/koas).
Psychiatrist from the Universitas Gadjah Mada Academic Hospital (RSA UGM), dr. Shinta Retno Kusumowati, Sp.KJ., explained that the MMPI interview serves as an early screening instrument. Considering that mental health issues in educational environments have become a major concern, this early detection initiative is considered highly relevant.
“Through the clinical interview process, it becomes clear whether there are indications of psychiatric disorders in students at the time of examination. Psychological symptoms are highly dynamic and can change over time, so this screening reflects the students’ real-time mental condition on that particular day,” explained dr. Shinta.
In general, psychiatric disorders are categorized into mild disorders — such as anxiety and depression symptoms without losing a sense of reality — and severe or psychotic disorders, in which individuals can no longer distinguish between reality and fantasy.
“Seeking psychological help from psychologists or psychiatrists is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. It shows that a person has high self-awareness and recognizes the need for help from others. Society’s tendency to label people with mental disorders as simply being ‘less religious’ must also be avoided, because such judgment can actually become a stress trigger that worsens depression,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Undergraduate Dentistry Program at FKG UGM, drg. Aryan Morita, M.Sc., Ph.D., revealed that the MMPI policy was initiated in 2025. Previously, the program only used a potential review assessment method focused on evaluating social relationships. However, over time, the instrument was considered insufficient for comprehensively assessing students’ psychological conditions.
drg. Aryan further explained that the pressure and workload during clinical training are very different. Individual reactions also vary — some students thrive under pressure, while others may feel overwhelmed and become depressed. As a future follow-up plan, the program intends to implement an exit test evaluation scheme for students who have completed their professional clinical education. “With this approach, we can compare students’ mental health profiles when they first enter the program and when they are preparing to graduate,” concluded drg. Aryan.
Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti
Photo: Fajar Budi Harsakti
