Exploring Labioplasty, Palatoplasty, and Orthognathic Surgery
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Study Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), hosted an Expert Lecture featuring Prof. Dr. drg. Setyo Harnowo, Sp.B.M.Mf., Subsp. Ortognat-D., FICD., FICCDE, on 27–28 July 2026. The event was attended by residents of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist Dental Education Program (PPDGS) as part of the faculty's ongoing efforts to strengthen clinical competence and expand residents' knowledge in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
During the lecture, Prof. Setyo Harnowo delivered comprehensive presentations on labioplasty, palatoplasty, and orthognathic surgery. These topics are fundamental to resident training, particularly in developing an understanding of surgical principles, treatment planning, clinical approaches, and multidisciplinary considerations in managing complex oral and maxillofacial cases.
Through lectures and interactive discussions, residents gained deeper insights into every stage of patient management—from evaluation and diagnosis to treatment planning, surgical technique selection, and the assessment of functional and aesthetic outcomes. Prof. Setyo's extensive clinical experience provided valuable practical perspectives, enabling residents to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world clinical practice.
Head of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Study Program, drg. Pingky Krisna Arindra, Sp.B.M.M., Subsp. Ped.O.M.(K), noted that the topics presented were highly relevant to current healthcare needs, particularly in the management of patients with cleft lip and craniofacial deformities.
"Prof. Setyo's key message focused on surgical management for patients with cleft lip and orthognathic conditions, particularly craniofacial abnormalities," she explained.
He added that Indonesia continues to have a relatively high number of patients with cleft lip and palate, requiring sustained and comprehensive treatment. Surgical procedures are performed not only at the UGM Academic Hospital but also through affiliated hospitals to expand access to care.
According to the program head, orthognathic services also require continuous development through enhanced professional competence, greater public awareness, and the adoption of rapidly advancing digital technologies.
"Orthognathic services must continue to evolve in response to patients' needs, alongside public education and the integration of emerging digital technologies," she said.
He further emphasized that Prof. Setyo strongly encouraged residents to master the fundamental principles of surgery as the cornerstone of clinical practice.
"Prof. Setyo highlighted the importance of mastering the fundamentals of cleft and orthognathic surgery. A strong foundation is essential for our residents' future practice, and his insights provide tremendous value to their professional development." basicnya. Fundamentalnya terkait dengan operasi pada pasien cleft & ortognatik surgery"Prof. Setyo highlighted the importance of mastering the fundamentals of cleft and orthognathic surgery. A strong foundation is essential for our residents' future practice, and his insights provide tremendous value to their professional development." Basic dari beliau sangat fundamental dan itu sangat bermanfaat untuk residen kita,” tuturnya.
The expert lecture is expected to strengthen residents' understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying the management of cleft lip and orthognathic cases, enabling them to deliver high-quality patient care in the future.
The sessions also offered valuable insights into clinical decision-making for labioplasty, palatoplasty, and orthognathic surgery. Beyond learning surgical principles, residents benefited from practical experiences and expert perspectives that will help them provide more comprehensive patient management.
The Expert Lecture serves as an important platform for residents to continue developing their knowledge, technical skills, and critical thinking in addressing increasingly complex clinical challenges. Direct interaction with leading experts also provides invaluable learning experiences that will ultimately contribute to improved patient care.
contribute to improved patient care. Through academic initiatives such as this, FKG UGM remains committed to delivering high-quality dental education by integrating scientific knowledge, clinical expertise, and the latest developments in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Contributor: drg. Muhammad Reza Pahlevi, Ph.D. | Editors & Photo: Andri Wicaksono, S.Sos., M.I.Kom.