The implementation of the Entry Exam at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) serves as a quality control mechanism to ensure students’ readiness before entering the clinical phase (3/2). The coordinator of the activity, drg. Shoimah Alfa Makmur, MDSc., Sp.KGA., explained that the exam plays a crucial role in comprehensively assessing students’ preparedness prior to undertaking clinical education as clinical clerks (koas).
drg. Shoimah stated that, in general, the format of the entry exam this period has not undergone significant changes compared to previous administrations. The exam still consists of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), with question formats designed to measure students’ readiness comprehensively. “The question format continues to refer to evaluating students’ readiness in terms of fundamental clinical knowledge, clinical reasoning, and professional attitude,” she explained.
According to her, the entry exam aims to ensure that students possess a solid understanding of the basic clinical concepts of dentistry, enabling them to reason through cases logically rather than relying solely on memorization. She added that readiness as prospective clinical clerks also includes mental preparedness, ethics, and professionalism, which serve as essential foundations during clinical training.
As students prepare to enter the clinical phase, Drg. Shoimah encouraged them to reinforce the foundational concepts acquired during their undergraduate program and to develop systematic thinking when approaching clinical cases. “Study to understand cases, not just to memorize questions. Maintain professionalism from the very beginning—discipline, responsibility, and effective communication both within and outside the clinical environment,” she advised.
She emphasized that the clinical clerkship phase is a crucial stage in shaping the character of future dentists. “Entering clinical training is not about being the smartest; it is about being ready to learn, ready to be corrected, and ready to grow. During this phase, students are trained to become competent future dentists,” she concluded.
This period’s Entry Exam was attended by students who had fulfilled the undergraduate graduation requirements. A total of 121 participants took the Computer-Based Test (CBT). Of those, 87 participants passed and were eligible to proceed to the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) stage.
Writer and Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
