Alumni of the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program (Sp.KGA) from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) gathered for a grand reunion at Otadan Resto on 13 September 2025. The event brought together alumni from the 1995 to 2021 cohorts. Beyond being a joyful opportunity to reconnect, the reunion served as a platform to discuss key issues in child health, particularly child mortality and early childhood development.
The event was organized by a committee led by drg. Shoimah Alfa Makmur, MDSc., Sp.KGA, who expressed her enthusiasm for the gathering. “This reunion is not only about recalling shared memories; it is also an opportunity to strengthen civil society partnerships in responding to urgent issues in pediatric dentistry and child health,” she stated. During the event, alumni exchanged insights and experiences about how they can contribute to reducing child mortality through improved dental care and education strategies.
The discussion included lively exchanges on recent advancements in pediatric dentistry. Participants highlighted the essential role of early childhood dental care in preventing long-term health complications. Alumni shared both success stories and challenges from their respective practices, reinforcing the importance of ongoing professional development and collaboration.
A major topic addressed was the role of civil society partnerships in promoting child health initiatives. The alumni emphasized that tackling child mortality requires a multifacetedapproach involving community engagement and awareness efforts. Together, they identified potential collaborations with local organizations to expand access to dental care for underserved populations, particularly in rural areas.
As the evening progressed, drg. Shoimah reminded attendees of the importance of staying connected and supporting one another professionally. “We are all part of a larger mission to improve child health outcomes. By working together, we can make a significant impact,” she emphasized.
The reunion served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in pediatric healthcare, especially in addressing child mortality. Attendees agreed on the need for innovative community-based solutions and educational efforts to empower parents and caregivers to prioritize oral health from an early age. They acknowledged that early intervention plays a critical role in preventing dental issues that could lead to more serious systemic health problems.
The Sp.KGA FKG UGM alumni gathering was not only a celebration of shared history but also a renewed commitment to future collaboration in advancing child health. The forum highlighted the importance of sustained partnerships with civil society to address urgent issues surrounding child mortality and early childhood development.
Contributor: drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan, Co-Author: Andri Wicaksono
Photo: Doc. Dept. Pediatric Dentistry (IKGA), FKG UGM
