That morning, the atmosphere felt different. It was not merely another ordinary day in the examination room, but a moment that quietly carried the same question in the minds of every participant: Am I truly ready to face the CBT UKOMNAS?
Hundreds of Participants Joined in a Moment of Reflection
A total of 140 students from various clinical batches of the Professional Dental Education Program (PPDG) at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) participated in the National CBT UKOMNAS Try Out on Saturday, 2 May 2026. The event was held as part of the preparation for the national competency examination.
The activity was not merely a simulation, but also a space for reflection to measure both academic and mental readiness before facing the real challenge. The event began with briefings from the Local Committee (Panlok) and the Central Supervisor (PP). The central supervisor for this examination was drg. Nia Wijayanti, Sp.KG.
From the moment the examination started, the atmosphere immediately became serious. Computer screens displayed question after question that tested not only clinical knowledge, but also precision, speed of thinking, and decision-making abilities under pressure. Time passed quickly, while every answer felt crucial.
Yet behind the tension, the Try Out became one of the most honest learning experiences.
A Medium for Building Strategy
Participants began recognizing their own strengths and weaknesses. It was not simply about answering questions, but also about developing strategies to manage time, determine priorities, and maintain focus under limited conditions.
“It turned out to be quite nerve-racking, even though I had prepared thoroughly. Some of the questions were also completely new and unfamiliar in structure,” said Adam Eka Dharmawan, SKG, one of the try out participants.
He also expressed appreciation to the faculty for facilitating the try out for clinical students. Try Out ini bagi mahasiswa koas.
This aligns with the purpose of organizing the Try Out try outhealthcare graduates, which directly contributes to enhancing dental and oral healthcare services for the public.
The Secretary of the Professional Dental Education Program at FKG UGM, drg. Pramudya Aditama, MDSc., Sp.Pros, stated:
“Participant readiness is not only measured through academic aspects, but also through mental preparedness in facing competency-based examinations.”
He further explained that strong academic mastery must be balanced with the ability to manage anxiety, remain calm, and maintain confidence while answering questions. Mental readiness helps participants think clearly, make accurate decisions, and avoid panic when encountering difficulties. Therefore, preparation for UKOMNAS must be carried out in a balanced manner through consistent study, maintaining physical health, and building a positive mindset.
An Essential Step Before the Real Examination
From the institution’s perspective, the activity is part of a continuous learning strategy that supports educational quality by providing an adaptive, structured, and professionally relevant evaluation system.
The Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at FKG UGM, Prof. drg. Rosa Amalia, M.Kes., Ph.D., FISDPH., FISPD, also emphasized the importance of the Try Out as part of the institution’s commitment to maintaining graduate standards.
Through this activity, students are able to assess their readiness, identify weaknesses, and strengthen their mastery of the material before facing the actual UKOMNAS examination. For FKG UGM, the implementation of the National Try Out (TON) is an important instrument to ensure timely and targeted academic intervention.
“We are committed to ensuring that every student enters UKOMNAS with the best possible preparation, because their success is a shared source of pride,” she concluded.
Furthermore, the collaborative effort behind the organization of this national Try Out also reflects a spirit of synergy toward a common goal, where educational institutions, teaching staff, and participants work together to create a high-quality learning ecosystem.
A First Step Toward a Greater Goal
At the end of the event, participants displayed mixed expressions. Some looked relieved, others remained deep in thought, and many immediately reopened their notes, as if unwilling to stop at that point.
Because in the end, this Try Out was not the finish line.
It was a mirror.
It was practice.
And most importantly, it was a small step toward a greater goal: becoming competent, professional dentists who make meaningful contributions to public health.
FKG UGM Public Relation Team
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