The Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), held the Expert Lecture 2025 on Friday, 26 September 2025, at the Margono Soeradji Auditorium, FKG UGM.
This event featured drg. M. Hamzah Carlo Ortega, M.Kes, who delivered a lecture and practical session on the theme “Inclusion and Accessibility: Caring for Our Patients with Hearing Loss in Dental Services.” The program was officially opened by Prof. drg. Sri Kuswandari, MS, Sp.KGA, Subsp. KKA (K), Ph.D., the Head of the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program.
The lecture is part of the Professionalism Course, designed to enhance residents’ understanding of effective communication with the Deaf community. Through this learning experience, residents are expected to develop not only clinical competence but also social awareness and inclusive communication skills. The overarching goal Expert Lecture is to ensure that dental professionals are able to provide dental care that is friendly, accessible, and inclusive for patients who are Deaf or have hearing disabilities.
The event began with a safety protocol video screening, followed by the Indonesian National Anthem and the Gadjah Mada Hymn, and continued with remarks from the Head of the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program. Drg. Carlo then delivered the lecture and guided the hands-on session, which was met with great enthusiasm from participants. The interactive discussion that followed enriched participants’ understanding of effective communication strategies with Deaf patients and broadened perspectives on inclusive oral health services.
Through this program, FKG UGM reaffirms its commitment to strengthening academic collaboration at the national level and to advancing dental education that emphasizes academic excellence while upholding the values of inclusivity.
Author: Andri Wicaksono | Photo: Fajar Budi Harsakti
