The high demand for dentists in various regions of Indonesia has encouraged a number of universities to open dental education study programs. One of them is the Faculty of Medicine of Universitas Negeri Padang (FK UNP), which is currently preparing to establish a Dental Education Study Program with mentoring support from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM).
The Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni of FKG UGM, drg. Trianna Wahyu Utami, MD.Sc., Ph.D., stated that this collaboration is part of FKG UGM’s commitment to supporting the equal distribution of education and improving the quality of dental health professionals in Indonesia.
“FKG UGM has a moral and academic responsibility to help strengthen the capacity of dental education in various regions. This mentoring is not merely a transfer of curriculum, but also the sharing of experience in building academic systems that meet national and international standards,” she said.
The FKG UGM team carried out academic mentoring, curriculum finalization, and reviews of supporting infrastructure for lectures and clinical practice that are already available at FK UNP. Furthermore, to ensure readiness for educational implementation, the FKG UGM team also conducted assessments of FK UNP’s preparedness in terms of curriculum, laboratories, and plans for cooperation with teaching hospitals. The delegation also reviewed Bukittinggi City Regional General Hospital and Adnaan WD Payakumbuh Regional General Hospital as prospective main teaching hospitals.
The Dean of FK UNP, Dr. dr. Rika Susanti, Sp.FM(MK), expressed her appreciation for the support provided by FKG UGM and emphasized the strategic direction of establishing this new program. “We chose FKG UGM as our mentor because of its excellent reputation and international standards. The experience and contributions of FKG UGM academics in various national and international activities serve as an inspiration for us in building a strong study program from the outset,” she said.
She further expressed her hope that the educational model and mentoring system at FKG UGM can serve as a reference in the development of curriculum, research, and academic networks in the future. The ultimate goal is to expand public access to dental health services in West Sumatra and surrounding regions.
Through this mentoring, FKG UGM reaffirms its commitment to expanding its contributions in education and community service, while also strengthening academic networks among universities. This collaboration is expected to become a strategic step in building an equitable and sustainable dental education system throughout Indonesia.
Report: Mufidah Triswardani
Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti | Photo: Public Relations Office of FK UNP
