Okayama, Japan – Four students from the Master of Dental Sciences Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), participated in a 12-day internship at the Dental School of Okayama University, Japan, from 26 August to 6 September 2024.
This program aims to deepen knowledge in various fields of dental specialization through visits to several departments at Okayama University.
The internship program involved Asa Karina, Hilmy Irsyadi Hanif, Tolistya Abdullah Novitasari, and Margareta Galuh Intan Permatasari, who were divided into two groups. During the program, the students had the opportunity to learn in departments such as Biomaterials, Dental Radiology, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Pathology, Dental Anesthesiology, and several others.
The first day of the internship (26 August) began with a warm welcome from Professor Hirohiko Okamura and Dr. Heriati Sitosari at Okayama University. During this occasion, participants were introduced to the schedule of activities, which included various observations and research sessions.
During their visit to the Biomaterials Department with Professor Matsumoto and Dr. Otaka, participants delved into current research in the field of dental biomaterials, emphasizing the importance of preventive care for dental and oral diseases, particularly dental caries and periodontal disease.
Professor Matsumoto highlighted, “The focus of biomaterials research at Okayama University is to create a more effective preventive health system for early disease management.”
Additionally, participants visited the Dental Radiology Department at Okayama Hospital on 27 August, where Dr. Okada explained advanced radiology technologies such as computed tomography (CT) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This observation enriched the students' understanding of essential diagnostic tools in dental healthcare.
The internship program also included research in the Dental Morphology Department on 29 August, where participants studied the western blot technique to observe β-catenin phosphorylation in tongue cancer cells.
Other research was conducted in the Pediatric Dentistry and Oral Pathology Departments, where students had the opportunity to observe clinical cases related to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC).
This program not only provided clinical and laboratory experiences but also opened opportunities for collaboration between FKG UGM and Okayama University.
Professor Okamura expressed hope, “This internship program can continue and serve as a platform for future research collaboration.”
This program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Through this program, students gain access to high-quality education and training at an international level while building sustainable academic partnerships to support innovation and research in the field of dental health.
Such programs are expected to strengthen relationships between universities and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and sustainable dental science in the future.
Authors: Tryanindita, Asa Karina, Pram
