The unequal distribution of healthcare professionals in Indonesia, particularly in dentistry, remains a significant challenge. One strategic step to address this issue is establishing new educational institutions that can produce quality healthcare workers, especially in underprivileged areas.
The Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) received a visit from Universitas Muhammadiyah Palangkaraya on 23 September 2024. The visit aimed to gather information regarding the processes, mechanisms, and preparations required to establish a dental faculty.
The Dean of FKG UGM, Prof. drg. Suryono, warmly welcomed the visit, accompanied by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation. In his remarks, he expressed readiness to support other universities wishing to develop dental faculties. “We can discuss what UM Palangkaraya desires and seek solutions together,” he stated.
The Vice Rector I of UMP, Dr. Chandra Anugrah Putra, M.I.Kom., explained that this visit is a follow-up to the mandate from the Ministry of Health, which requested UMP to initiate the establishment of a dental faculty promptly. “We came to FKG UGM to understand the processes, mechanisms, and considerations necessary for establishing this Faculty of Dentistry,” he said.
The demand for dental healthcare professionals in Palangkaraya is urgent, given the scarcity of specialists in this field, particularly in Central Kalimantan. The establishment of a dental faculty at UMP is expected to be a long-term solution to meet the need for dental healthcare professionals in the region.
FKG UGM has 12 departments and 13 educational programs, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, and Specialist levels, making it one of the leading references for dental education development in Indonesia. Collaboration with UMP is hoped to strengthen the distribution of dental healthcare professionals to areas that are still lacking.
Photo: Fajar Budi H.
