Students’ readiness to face clinical education is determined not only by practical skills, but also by their ability to read and analyze scientific literature. This point was emphasized by drg. H. Dedy Kusuma Y., M.Biotech., Ph.D., Chair of the Undergraduate Dentistry Curriculum Team at FKG UGM, during the Curriculum Update Program held on December 16, 2025.
During the event, drg. Dedy highlighted the importance of familiarizing students with reading and discussing scientific journals from the undergraduate (bachelor’s) level. According to him, this habit is essential to prevent difficulties when students enter the professional education stage (clinical clerkship), which requires routine journal reading.
This approach is integrated into the implementation of the Academic Pathway. The Academic Pathway is a learning map designed to ensure continuity of material from the undergraduate level through the professional (clinical) stage. Through the Academic Pathway, lecturers can adjust undergraduate course content to truly support the competencies that will be tested and practiced during clinical education.
“The Academic Pathway serves as a reference so that both lecturers and students have a clear picture of which competencies must be achieved, which have already been fulfilled, and which still need to be strengthened before entering clinical practice,” he explained.
In response, the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FKG UGM, Prof. Dr. drg. Rosa Amalia, M.Kes., stated that this meeting was part of the preparation and strengthening of academic and clinical education standards, which are targeted for completion in the near future. She emphasized the importance of continuity between undergraduate learning and clinical education.
Prof. Rosa stressed that all clinical activities must have a clear, structured academic foundation that is integrated with learning at earlier stages. Competencies taught from the beginning of education, she added, are expected to serve as a strong foundation for students’ clinical practice in subsequent stages.
“Through this activity, FKG UGM seeks to strengthen an adaptive and sustainable curriculum while preparing students to be better equipped to face academic and clinical demands in the field of dentistry,” she concluded.
Writer and Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
