The Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), successfully organized a workshop titled “Optimizing Tracer Studies to Enhance the Education System of the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program” on Saturday, 14 December 2024, at the IUP Room, FKG UGM. The event aimed to evaluate the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum using tracer studies as a tool to improve the quality of the education system.
The workshop was attended by lecturers, students, and representatives from civil society as key stakeholders in education. During the main session, Dr. Dyah Listyarifah, MSc., D.Med.Sci., delivered a presentation on the importance of continuous educational evaluation. “Tracer studies help us understand the relevance of the curriculum to the demands of the workforce and healthcare system. With this data, we can continuously refine our educational approaches to achieve optimal outcomes,” she stated.
The discussion was moderated by drg. Putri Kusuma W., M.Kes., Sp.KGA(K), who encouraged participants to actively engage in assessing the effectiveness of tracer studies in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the curriculum. One of the main focal points was how tracer studies can contribute to reducing child mortality rates related to pediatric dental health issues through quality education.
A key highlight of the workshop was the collaboration between academia and civil society, aimed at creating synergy between educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and the broader community to produce competent healthcare professionals. “This partnership enables us to develop innovative solutions that directly address public health needs,” added Dr. Dyah.
The workshop adopted an interactive approach, providing participants with opportunities to share experiences and new ideas related to the education system. This collaborative atmosphere fostered constructive discussions, enriching participants’ understanding of strategies for improving an outcome-based curriculum.
This initiative aligns with FKG UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – by reducing mortality rates related to pediatric dental health; SDG 4: Quality Education – by strengthening educational systems; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by building collaborations between educational institutions and the community.
Contributor: drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan | Author: Diva Luthfiana Lathifah
