Dental education is often associated with extremely high academic demands and clinical precision. In reality, studying dentistry requires both strong physical and psychological endurance. Students are not only tested through written examinations, but must also undergo clinical training phases (co-assistantships). This continuous workload makes dental students particularly vulnerable to mental exhaustion if they do not possess effective coping mechanisms. In fact, intellectual intelligence alone appears insufficient to shape a competent dentist.
Recognizing these intense psychological dynamics, the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) considers mental readiness an essential requirement in selecting new students. This was reflected in the selection process for the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in Dentistry, which conducted the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) test online on Saturday, 9 May 2026.
During the online examination, 49 participants were required to complete 567 statements within approximately two hours. The test demanded honesty from participants in evaluating their own condition. The questions were designed to assess personality tendencies, including stress management, emotional control, mental resilience, and adaptability in difficult situations.
The examination was directly facilitated by specialist doctors from the Department of Psychiatry at UGM. The instrument was used purely as an initial screening tool to objectively assess participants’ personality profiles and psychological conditions.
The Head of the Undergraduate Dentistry Program at FKG UGM, drg. Aryan Morita, M.Sc., Ph.D., stated that psychological testing plays an essential role. For the institution, the results serve as a foundation for determining a participant’s suitability for dental education.
“Cognitive competence is certainly important, and we have already assessed that in previous stages through the AcEPT and GMST tests. However, once students enter the clinical phase, they will face far greater responsibilities. Through this test, we seek candidates who are not only intelligent, but also emotionally stable,” explained drg. Aryan.
This multilayered selection process ultimately reflects FKG UGM’s strong commitment as an educational institution. The faculty recognizes that future healthcare environments require medical professionals who are mentally resilient, empathetic, and capable of maintaining professionalism.
Author: Fajar Budi H.
